Duke University installs siren warning system

DURHAM -- Duke University has begun installation of outdoor siren systems designed to warn students and school personnel in the event of campus violence or a natural disaster. The News & Observer of Raleigh reports that Duke bought its siren system from Federal Signal Corp., an Illinois company that also recently sold a warning system to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At Duke, the system is expected to be in place and ready to test in August. Associate Vice Chancellor Aaron Graves said seven speakers are positioned around campus. They emit a variety of siren sounds that can be mixed so as not to be confused with the sound of a police or ambulance siren. Graves said the sound, which measures about 72 decibels, can travel half a mile. Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)