News 14 Carolina's Ann Forte is on the UNC campus, where the sirens will sound around 11:30 a.m.
CHAPEL HILL -- The University of North Carolina will test its emergency siren system at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. The Alert Carolina system is made up of four sirens, which are located in four different areas on campus.
Officials stress that the alert is only a test and the sirens will normally only be used in a life-threatening situation, such as an armed and dangerous person on campus or a tornado.
Earlier this month, North Carolina State University tested its Wolf Alert siren system.
UNC's sirens will also broadcast brief announcements with instructions such as seek cover immediately.
Earlier this month, North Carolina State University tested its Wolf Alert siren system. It uses a series of tones and voice commands to tell students about any emergency situation on campus. Both universities consider the sirens a first line of communication in the event of an emergency.
In a real emergency, not only will the sirens sound, but both schools will also send text messages to those who have signed up to receive them.