BOONE, N.C. — UPDATE: Appalachian State University will conduct a rescheduled, full test of its emergency notification system in Boone and Hickory — including, but not limited to, email, voice and text messaging, and the Alertus desktop notification system — at 11:55 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Full emergency notification tests are normally conducted twice annually, in February and September.
App State uses multiple methods to notify and communicate emergency information to the Boone and Hickory campus communities. The emergency notification system, which includes AppState-ALERT messaging, is designed to alert Boone and Hickory campus students, employees and visitors — and their families — with quick notification of a significant emergency incident that affects multiple campus buildings. AppStateALERTs will be activated only when immediate, ongoing and/or significant threats to campus are imminent or in progress, such as an active shooter on or near campus, or a tornado warning for the area.
In the event of an actual emergency activation, Boone and Hickory campus students, employees and visitors should do the following:
- Seek safe shelter immediately.
- Seek more information by visiting AppState-ALERT.com, the university’s emergency information website.
- Monitor AppState-ALERT.com for updates until the “all clear” message is given.
Boone and Hickory campus students and employees should also:
- Check their cell phone for updates — if registered for voice and text AppState-ALERTS — or campus email accounts for AppState-ALERT messages.
- Monitor cell phone messages, campus email or AppState-ALERT.com for updates until the “all clear” message is given.
App State is in the process of enhancing the campus siren warning system in 2026. The Boone campus siren warning system will be upgraded for greater capability, and a siren system for the Hickory campus is planned for testing and installation. Siren warning systems are part of App State’s emergency notification system, offering one of several ways to receive emergency alerts.
Opt in for AppState-ALERTs for either or both campus locations through the Self-Service section of your AppalNET account.
Parents and families can register for text-only AppState-ALERTs by texting “appstatefamily” to 67283.
For more information about the university’s AppState-ALERT system, visit App State’s Emergency Preparedness website.
During an actual emergency or disaster, the university posts the latest information and updates at appstatealert.com.
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About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
