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Texting in case of emergency
September 21, 2007
PLU now has a new system that can alert you to an emergency on campus by sending a text message to your cell phone. You can sign up by following this Web link.
After you register, you will receive a text message asking you to confirm your registration. Text messaging fees may apply, depending on your cell phone servicing agreement.
A test of the new system will occur on Oct. 5. Text messages after the Oct. 5 trial will only be sent in case of a life threatening emergency that is unfolding at that moment, such as the shootings that occurred at Virginia Tech this year.
Last year, the only incident that might have warranted a text message was a bomb threat, according to emergency program staff.
Once signed up for the system, and it’s tested, if a real alert is sent out, it will typically begin “PLU Alert.” You will then be given more information on the emergency, a possible course of action and references to other sources of information.
In our texting, cell phone society, getting the word out on a campus emergency this way seemed natural, said Jennifer Wamboldt, emergency programs manager.
“I think most people do have them,” she said.
And even if only a few sign up for the service “that handful will spread the word. When something really happens, think people are going to protect each other, “ she said.
For more information, contact the emergency programs office at 538-6042.
A test of the new system will occur on Oct. 5. Text messages after the Oct. 5 trial will only be sent in case of a life threatening emergency that is unfolding at that moment, such as the shootings that occurred at Virginia Tech this year.
Last year, the only incident that might have warranted a text message was a bomb threat, according to emergency program staff.
Once signed up for the system, and it’s tested, if a real alert is sent out, it will typically begin “PLU Alert.” You will then be given more information on the emergency, a possible course of action and references to other sources of information.
In our texting, cell phone society, getting the word out on a campus emergency this way seemed natural, said Jennifer Wamboldt, emergency programs manager.
“I think most people do have them,” she said.
And even if only a few sign up for the service “that handful will spread the word. When something really happens, think people are going to protect each other, “ she said.
For more information, contact the emergency programs office at 538-6042.