OUPD to test new emergency text alert system today
Oakland University has contracted with Rave Mobile Safety to provide the campus community with emergency text alert services, and university emergency management officials are looking forward to a number of system enhancements as a result.
“Oakland University's new emergency notification system is extremely robust and includes much more than just text and voice messaging,” said Officer Ken Kiley. “The system integrates many new and existing campus technology systems that can be instantly activated to provide emergency information in a timely manner.”
Among advantages of the new system are integration with information screens located in buildings across campus and instant uploading of emergency information to the university’s and the Oakland University Police Department’s social media networks.
The accounts of campus community members who have already registered to receive emergency text message alerts have been transferred to the new system. As such, no action on the part of subscribers is required. Others interested in beginning to receive emergency text alerts can do so by visiting oakland.edu/ready.
A test of the new system will take place in conjunction with Oakland County's Homeland Security Division emergency preparedness testing today, Wednesday, April 10.
At 1 p.m., the division will conduct its annual test of the outdoor severe weather warning siren system. This will include the siren located on the roof of Varner Hall.
At the same time on that day, the OUPD will take advantage of this opportunity to test the Rave Mobile Safety text alert system.
All subscribers will receive a text message as part of the exercise. Subscribers who do not receive a text at or shortly after 1 p.m. should notify the OUPD at helpdesk@oupolice.com. New subscribers should activate their accounts at least 24 hours prior to the test in order to participate.
"The Oakland University Police Department would like to encourage those who have not registered for the emergency notification alerts to do so,” said Captain Mark Gordon.
“It is one of many systems used to notify community members of an emergency in a timely manner. The service is free and may provide valuable information about safety during an emergency that will benefit students, faculty, and staff as a whole."
For complete information about Oakland University’s emergency preparedness policies and procedures, visit oakland.edu/ready.
Oakland University is a vibrant academic community with nearly 20,000 students and more than 265 academic degree programs. To learn more about programs, events, and achievements at OU, visit the news site at oakland.edu/newsatou and follow the news team on Twitter at @OaklandU_News.
OU's new emergency text messaging system test will take place along with Oakland County's emergency preparedness testing at 1 p.m. today, April 10.
Created by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Modified by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 Article Start Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2013
