If you hear loudspeaker announcements on Aug. 26 warning of earthquake, fire or bomb threat, don’t be alarmed – It’s only a test.

In light of tragic experiences at several schools across the nation, Bellevue College has installed a loudspeaker warning system to help make its campus and the surrounding neighborhoods safer in a crisis.

In an emergency, the loudspeakers will be used to tell the campus and community what is happening and provide instructions on what to do.

The system must be tested, however, to be certain the pre-written message for each situation is audible and understandable.

“The sound from the loudspeaker announcements could carry for miles, depending on atmospheric conditions,” said Maggie Whetsel, Bellevue College’s public safety director.“That’s why we want everyone in the area to know about this ahead of time, so if they hear an emergency announcement on Wednesday they can be assured, ‘It’s only a test.’”

All announcements on Aug. 26 will be preceded and followed by statements reminding anyone who hears them that ‘this is only a test,’ Whetsel said.