Cuesta campuses-Emergency Notification System

Cuesta College is nearing the completion of a comprehensive safety system designed to enhance emergency preparedness across its campuses. This initiative aims to bolster the college’s ability to respond effectively to critical incidents. The recent tragic shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon serves as a somber reminder of the potential for violence on college campuses.

A congressional study released in July 2021 on mass shootings and firearms revealed an average of 4.5 mass shootings per year from 2010 to 2013, with approximately seven fatalities and six injuries per incident. This represents a significant increase compared to the early 2000s, which averaged 4.1 incidents annually, and an even more dramatic rise from the 1970s, which recorded just one incident per year.

In response to these alarming trends, Cuesta College is taking proactive measures to protect its community. A state-of-the-art campus-wide safety alert system is scheduled to go live on December 1, 2015. In a recent email to the campus community, Cuesta College President Gil Stork emphasized the institution’s commitment to safety, stating, “In light of the tragic event that took place at Umpqua Community College, I would like to assure you that Cuesta College acknowledges our role as guardians of our students, fellow employees, and community visitors.”

The new emergency response system features a color-coded alert mechanism designed to facilitate quick and clear communication during campus emergencies. According to Sergeant Jason Hopkins of the Cuesta Police Department, the system is strategically placed in high-traffic areas, such as classrooms and common spaces, to maximize visibility and effectiveness. “It is better to be prepared than to play catch-up,” Hopkins remarked, noting that Cuesta has not experienced a campus-wide emergency to date.

Manufactured by Visiplex, a company specializing in wireless emergency notification systems, the new safety signals will include red, amber, white, and green lights, each serving a specific purpose:

• Solid Red Light: Indicates a campus-wide lockdown.
• Flashing Red Light: Accompanied by a siren, signals a campus evacuation.
• Amber Light: Alerts recipients to check for messages via the Regroup email and text notification system.
• White Light: Represents the normal operational status.
• Green Light: Signals an all-clear, indicating the resumption of regular campus activities.

The alert system will be deployed in over 400 locations across Cuesta’s San Luis Obispo and North County campuses. Each light unit, can be activated either centrally or remotely using a telephone or software application. According to Pat Devine, Sales Representative for Visiplex, these systems are already in use at several California State Universities.

Sergeant Hopkins explained that the new system complements existing safety measures, including LokBloks, which secure doors quickly during emergencies, and strategically placed panic buttons that can record audio. He emphasized the importance of offering multiple layers of safety for the campus community.

Students and staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new system, which will include accompanying displays to guide appropriate responses to each light signal. Facilities management and public safety teams will oversee the system’s activation during real emergencies or drills. Additionally, campus community members are urged to register for the Regroup messaging alert system for timely updates and notifications. Instructions for registration are available at cuesta.regroup.com using MyCuesta login credentials.

First-semester psychology major Hope Adams expressed her support for the new safety measures, stating, “I think the system is a very good way to keep us safe. It is clear and won’t cause a bunch of confusion.”

While the total cost and funding source for the system have not been disclosed, Cuesta College remains committed to enhancing safety measures. President Stork reiterated the college’s dedication, concluding his message with, “I also want to reassure the campus community that the college is doing everything it can to enhance the safety of its students and employees.”

The new safety alert system represents a significant step forward in Cuesta College’s ongoing efforts to create a secure and supportive learning environment.