KU to test emergency text alert system


Mon, 11/28/2011

author

Jill Jess Phythyon

More Information

LAWRENCE – The University of Kansas will test its emergency text alert system at noon Wednesday, Nov. 30.

Students, faculty and staff who have signed up for text alerts will receive a message stating: “THIS IS A TEST of the KU Alert text messaging system for situations of imminent danger on campus. This is only a TEST.”

More than 21,000 people are registered to receive text alerts. To sign up, visit Alert KU and click on the link on the right-hand side of the page.

Text messages are one facet of the university’s multitiered emergency notification strategy. Others include:

• Public address system: Speakers for the public address system reach 98 percent of KU’s academic areas. The buildings comprise the highest concentration of students, faculty and staff.
• Email alerts: The university’s emergency broadcast e-mail system can reach about 33,000 KU e-mail accounts. 
• Web page alerts: The university will use Alert KU as a centralized location for information updates. 
• The university has established protocols to use local media to help inform the public in the event of an ongoing crisis.

The university also maintains the 864-SNOW hotline that is activated if bad weather forces the delay or cancellation of classes or the closure of campus.

Mon, 11/28/2011

author

Jill Jess Phythyon

Media Contacts

Jill Jess

KU News Service

785-864-8858