Simpsonian

Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: News

Sophomore Amber Vrbsky demonstrates how Simpson's SAFE system can alert students of emergency situations via text messages. Jen Cornwell/Staff Writer

On April 11, the Simpson Alert for Emergencies system will be tested for the first time on campus.

The SAFE system, developed by the NTI Group, Inc., will give administrators and security the ability to send up-to-date information to students, faculty and staff through text messages on cell phones. It is a safety precaution that has been taken at various institutions in light of recent school shootings and is now being implemented at Simpson.

The system, which has already been tested and used at other Iowa colleges such as Drake University, will include up-to-date emergencies as they happen in the event of a crisis.

Jim Thorius, vice president of student development, has strong feelings about the system and feels that it will indeed protect students if a hostile situation were to come about on campus.

"Certainly, I am saddened by the fact that [school shootings] occur," Thorius said. "But it's a reality of the world that we live in right now that we have to take into account all the way back to Columbine and other school shootings that have occurred in the past."

Before the test occurs, students will have an opportunity to update their contact information through StormFront with at least two phone numbers, one of which should be a cell phone and an additional e-mail address. Through this contact information, students will receive emails and text messages as events occur in a hostile situation or severe weather.

"There has been a wake-up call for awhile that has asked what how we deal with these issues and how do we protect our campus and communities which is our obligation here at Simpson." Thorius said.

Director of Security Chris Frerichs says his staff has a specific emergency response plan they must follow if a situation were to occur.

"[In] a hostile situation, we notify the Indianola Police Department," Frerichs said. "Once they arrive on campus, we will follow their lead in regards to how we handle the situation."

Frerichs and Thorius also feel it is important for students to use all avenues of communication that are provided to them by the school, which include campus e-mail accounts and land line phones. This way, students, faculty and staff members can receive important information through more than just one medium.

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