Oakland University
Thursday, February 24, 2011

Text message alert system to be tested Tuesday, March 8

Already twice this winter, members of the campus community who’ve registered to receive emergency text alerts knew that campus had been closed due to snow storms before word had been gone out on the internet or was broadcast over radio and television. More importantly, system users are always among the first to know if and when a crisis situation occurs on campus.

Using the cell phones of registered users, university police and communications personnel are able to rapidly distribute information necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the campus community. The system is also used to notify users of any university closure or campuswide cancellation of classes.

Oakland University police administrators are pleased to have this highly efficient tool as part of a comprehensive emergency communication system, but stress that only those who subscribe to the service can receive the text alerts. Voice alerts are available for those with cell phones that do not have text messaging capability.

Text alert recipients can rest assured that they’ll never be bothered with unnecessary distractions. Outside of system tests conducted once each semester, alerts are broadcast only when it is determined that there is an imminent threat of danger to people on campus, or in the event of a university closure or campuswide cancellation of classes. A system test for the winter 2011 semester has been scheduled for roughly 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8.

All currently enrolled students and active employees who haven’t already registered for this free service are strongly encouraged to do so. A quick and easy online form is available at oakland.edu/ready. Visitors will need their OU e-mail address and Grizzly ID to register.

Those interested in taking part in the winter system test, but who are not currently registered to receive alerts, should sign up at least 24 hours in advance to allow for account activation. Former system users who have not had an active oakland.edu e-mail account for more than 12 months must re-register to renew their subscription, and any user who has obtained a new cell phone number since registering for text alerts will need to update their account.

The university community also is advised to keep the following emergency preparedness and campus safety tips in mind:
OU will hold a test of the text message alert system for the winter 2011 semester at about 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8.

Created by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Thursday, February 24, 2011
Modified by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Thursday, February 24, 2011
Article Start Date: Thursday, February 24, 2011