Murfreesboro, TN - As April kicks off, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) gears up for its monthly tornado siren test, scheduled for April 1, 2024, at 11:20 a.m. Weather permitting, the test will take place both on campus and at the Miller Coliseum Complex, serving as a vital precautionary measure to ensure the effectiveness of the outdoor warning system.

Conducted by the University Police Department, these routine tests play a crucial role in maintaining campus safety, reassuring students, faculty, and staff that proper protocols are in place in the event of severe weather. Despite the blaring sirens, there's no cause for alarm as no safety actions are required, and campus activities will proceed as usual.

Traditionally held on the first Monday of each month, excluding university holidays, the tests may be subject to cancellation in case of inclement weather, aiming to avoid confusion among the campus community. MTSU takes proactive measures to notify both campus and nearby neighborhoods ahead of each scheduled siren test, ensuring everyone remains informed and prepared.

For those seeking shelter during weather emergencies, MTSU provides a comprehensive list of suggested shelters accessible on its website, serving as a valuable resource for individuals navigating potentially hazardous conditions. In the event of a weather emergency, students, faculty, and staff will receive alerts directly to their MTSU email addresses, offering timely updates and instructions to stay safe.

While the tornado sirens primarily target individuals outdoors during severe weather, members of the MTSU community can opt to receive notifications via text and/or voice message through the university's alert system, providing an additional layer of communication and preparedness.

For further updates and information regarding MTSU's safety protocols and siren-testing schedule, community members are encouraged to visit the university's website https://mtsunews.com/tornado-sirens-testing-april2024/ or reach out to Jimmy Hart at Jimmy.Hart@mtsu.edu for assistance.