Spring Break
New emergency alert system utilizes cell text messages
Students, faculty and staff can sign up for this alert service
Anneke Tucker
Issue date: 10/16/08 Section: News
"We are blown away by the capabilities," said Todd Simmons, assistant vice president of news and communications services. "Originally, the OSU campus was alerted of an emergency with a World War II siren that could be heard in Junction City, but it didn't give any direction or instruction."
Simmons predicted that in time, they will even be able to target students, faculty and staff that are in certain buildings where there is a dangerous situation.
As familiarity grows with the system, it will even be possible for students to text back, acknowledging receipt of the message. Some voice messages may even have the voice of OSU President Ed Ray.
Initially, many were worried that it would begin to be more like a mass e-mailing list, alerting people of things like homecoming, scholarships and other non-emergency notifications.
"We have done a good job of protecting it from information technology," Simmons said. "We are very tight with the system. There are only six people who currently have posting capability."
As long as students don't give out their ONID passwords, as in the recent phishing attacks, the system will be safe and secure.
If students do see an emergency situation occurring, they should contact the campus emergency dispatch in case the system would need to be activated.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to register their emergency contact information through the OSU Alert Portal at alert.oregonstate.edu where they can enter up to nine points of contact: six different telephone numbers, two e-mail addresses and set priorities for each. Choosing the text message alert is also an option.
There is a link on the left side of the page called "Enter your emergency contact information." You will need your ONID e-mail address and student ID number to log in.
"This system makes it even more important to keep your cell phone with you," Simmons said.
There is a cost with this new system - but not to students.
Simmons predicted that in time, they will even be able to target students, faculty and staff that are in certain buildings where there is a dangerous situation.
As familiarity grows with the system, it will even be possible for students to text back, acknowledging receipt of the message. Some voice messages may even have the voice of OSU President Ed Ray.
Initially, many were worried that it would begin to be more like a mass e-mailing list, alerting people of things like homecoming, scholarships and other non-emergency notifications.
"We have done a good job of protecting it from information technology," Simmons said. "We are very tight with the system. There are only six people who currently have posting capability."
As long as students don't give out their ONID passwords, as in the recent phishing attacks, the system will be safe and secure.
If students do see an emergency situation occurring, they should contact the campus emergency dispatch in case the system would need to be activated.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to register their emergency contact information through the OSU Alert Portal at alert.oregonstate.edu where they can enter up to nine points of contact: six different telephone numbers, two e-mail addresses and set priorities for each. Choosing the text message alert is also an option.
There is a link on the left side of the page called "Enter your emergency contact information." You will need your ONID e-mail address and student ID number to log in.
"This system makes it even more important to keep your cell phone with you," Simmons said.
There is a cost with this new system - but not to students.
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