Georgetown University

That Whistle Can Save Your Life

If you hear the Campus Alert System (steam whistles) sound, take shelter inside immediately.

The Campus Alert System, a loud network of steam whistles throughout campus, can be heard in any outdoor areas on- and immediately off-campus.  This alert signals the need to take shelter immediately (termed shelter-in-place). The horn will sound in a series of intermittent blasts, for a total of 15 minutes.

If you seek shelter inside a residence hall, Hall Directors and Resident Assistants, identifiable by neon emergency response vests, will provide assistance and information.  Building and Floor Marshals are located in academic and administration buildings. These individuals are equipped with radios that will allow them to maintain contact with the Emergency Response Team.

The University will also disseminate information, as soon as it is available, via HOYAlert, broadcast e-mail, broadcast voicemail, the hotline at 687-SNOW (687-7669), and this website. The most up-to-date information for the D.C. Metropolitan Area will be available through local television and radio.

We test the steam whistle for two minutes at 1:10 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every odd month (Sept, Nov, Jan, Mar, May, July), so you'll know it when you hear it.

More information for students on Shelter-in-Place is located here.
For staff and faculty, information on Shelter-in-Place is located here.

For more information on the Building and Floor Marshal Program, click here.