Safety First
Auburn has just launched an emergency notification system for students and faculty. The system, AU Alert will allow voice and text messages to be sent to members of the system if an emergency is to arise. Membership is voluntary, but a good precaution for all to take.
Students and faculty can sign up for the AU Alert on its Web site, www.auburn.edu/aualert. It asks for your primary cell phone number, alternate e-mail accounts and land lines. Any information sent out on AU Alert will still be sent out via TigerMail as well. From severe weather alerts to campus violence, people signed up for the alert will now be able to receive pressing information quickly and conveniently.
Large universities across the nation have began developing emergency alert systems as well. When students and teachers spend the majority of the day inside a class room, it could be hours before the majority of a university is informed of an emergency. With a notification system like AU Alert, one person in each classroom who received a text would be able to share the information with everyone else.
Implementing AU Alert is a proactive risk management initiative. I had heard about UGA doing it a few weeks ago and hoped Auburn would follow suit. I hope I never have to receive an emergency alert, however it is comforting knowing the system exists. I don’t see why students and staff wouldn’t sign up for AU Alert. The university promises to only send messages when there is an immediate crisis that affects anyone on campus. This is just one more thing we can do to help insure safety in times of emergencies.
According to the Web site, examples of alerts could include building evacuations, severe weather, lock downs or any other type of emergency needing immediate attention. Alerts will provide information regarding the crisis and what to do. Also, an alert may be sent with updates or conformation that the emergency has ended.
Information in AU Alert can be updated or removed at anytime. If you submit a primary cell phone number, you will receive a text and voice message if there is a pressing emergency on campus. If you enter an alternate e-mail address, you will also receive an alert there as well. All AU Alerts will also automatically be sent to your university e-mail account, regardless of signing up for the system. The service is free and the only possible charge could be from your cell phone provider for a text message.
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