The Office of University Safety successfully conducted its biannual test of the HOYAlert and Campus Alert systems on Wednesday afternoon.

The tests are aimed at familiarizing the university community with the alert system and ensuring that the components of the system are operative, according to Director of Media Relations Rachel Pugh.

At around 12:55 p.m., university staff activated the Campus Alert System. Loud steam whistle-like noises sounded throughout the Georgetown University campus. Students, faculty, and staff signed up with the HOYAlert system also received text messages and phone calls informing them of the test.

University officials indicated that the testing went according to plan.

“Today we were able to confirm that the HOYAlert and the Campus Alert System, a network of steam whistles located throughout campus that is activated when there is a need to shelter-in-place, are working,” Pugh wrote in an email.

Over 16,000 students, faculty, and staff are enrolled in the system.

In the event of a real campus emergency or disruption, HOYAlert would be used to inform students of a situation and give important safety instructions to them.

“These tests are one of many steps the university takes to engage our community in preparing for possible emergencies and to become familiar with the various notification systems,” Pugh wrote.

The system was last used to inform students of a gas leak in Maguire Hall in September.

The next test of the system will occur at the beginning of the fall semester.