The purpose of the Communications Annex is to manage, direct and control the dissemination of timely and accurate information regarding a campus emergency.
Timely and accurate communication with the campus population during a campus emergency is critical. The Public Information Officer is responsible for coordinating all emergency communications.
Depending upon the nature and time of the emergency, the University community will be alerted as soon as possible through a combination of interior emergency speaker announcements and the DPU Alert system, which has the capability of broadcasting thousands of voicemails, e-mails, and text messages to registered users within a matter of minutes. A banner on the University’s homepage may also be activated along with the use of the University’s social media channels to provide initial emergency information and updates.
The Public Information Officer will then, as necessary, report to local TV news and radio stations, including:
- WBBM-TV CBS Chicago (Channel 2)
- WMAQ-TV NBC Chicago (Channel 5)
- WLS-TV ABC Chicago (Channel 7)
- WGN-TV (Channel 9)
- WFLD-TV Fox Chicago (Channel 32)
- WSNS Telemundo (Channel 44)
- WGBO Univision (Channel 66)
- WBEZ-FM (91.5 FM
- WGN-AM radio (720 AM)
- WBBM news radio (780 AM)
and all appropriate media outlets to ensure timely, accurate and useful information and instructions are transmitted to the public.
Should both the phone and data networks be unavailable, staff will be dispatched from the EOCs to alert key leaders in each building, who will be expected to alert others in their buildings. When appropriate, the local media will also be advised. Emergency/update information may be recorded on the main University number (312-362-8000).