AU Announces New Emergency Communication System
The Virginia Tech shootings raised a lot of questions about communication between schools’ administrations and students. Many people assert that the tragedy could have been avoided, or at least lessened, if administration had contacted students or canceled classes after the initial shootings.
In order to increase communication in emergency situations, Auburn University has announced a new emergency communication system called AU Alert that will help keep students, faculty and staff informed with up-to-date information in the event of a crisis, keeping them safer on and off campus.
AU Alert is a mass-notification system that allows students, faculty and staff to receive e-mail, voice and text messages at up to four phone numbers and two e-mail addresses. Pertinent information can be received within minutes of severe weather, building evacuations, dangers requiring lock-down or shelter-in-place, or other emergencies requiring immediate action.
The system will also provide information about what actions should be taken in particular situations and when an “all clear� has been issued.
“Today we are forced to prepare for situations that we never could have anticipated happening and recognize the important role that immediate communication plays in keeping students safe,� said Christine Eick, executive director of AU’s Office of Risk Management and Safety. “AU Alert will allow us to keep students, faculty and staff informed no matter where they are.�
Tiger Mail is still the official form of communication on Auburn’s campus. Everyone with a Tiger Mail account will receive informational e-mails in the event of an emergency. However, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to register their most current and comprehensive contact information so that they may take advantage of this new voice and text messaging system.
The new system will be managed and implemented by the Offices of the Executive Vice President, Risk Management & Safety, Information Technology, Communications & Marketing and the Director of Public Safety. They will test the system frequently to ensure its effectiveness.
Participation in AU Alert is voluntary, but encouraged. The contact information given will only be used in emergency situations and will not be shared. You may change your contact information or opt out at any time.
If you would like to register with AU Alert, you can do so by logging onto www.auburn.edu/aualert. Use your AU Username and Password to access the site. The system is updated daily and you will be able to receive messages within 24 hours of sign up.
E-mails sent from the system will be sent by aualert@auburn.edu. Text messages will be sent by 23117 and begin with AU ALERT. Voice messages will be sent by 334-844-0911. It is important that you save this number into your phone so you will recognize it immediately as an emergency call.
Additional emergency information and preparedness plans can be found at www.auburn.edu/emergency.
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November 2nd, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Auburn should consider a more comprehensive notification solution. Text and email alerts are often unreliable during emergency situations b/c the all the lines become clogged when everyone panics and reaches for their phone. Outdoor and Indoor voice-sirens make announcements instantly to the entire campus. For most emergency situations every second counts. Why would a school risk loosing 10-30 minutes because of SMS delays?