University of Hawaii urges more student sign ups for second test of emergency text message alert system

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Carolyn Tanaka, (808) 956-8109
External Affairs and University Relations
Posted: Mar 31, 2008

Today the University of Hawaiʻi announced plans for a second test of the emergency text message notification system that has been implemented for use during crisis on or near the university‘s 10 campuses and urged more students to sign up. UH has been soliciting voluntary sign ups of faculty, staff and students to expand the reach of the emergency messaging system since late February. The next test will be conducted in April.

"With over 3,100 faculty and staff signed up, UH is on par with other institutions" said UH VP for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer David Lassner. "But we can do better than the 2,300 students signed up so far. The more people we have participating, the better the chance we‘ll have of getting people critical information during any emergency that may occur."

The text messaging capability is just one tool the University would use in the event of an emergency. Mass media, loudspeakers, email and phones would also be used to reach people throughout the affected areas. Plans are also underway to install emergency sirens on UH campuses.

An initial test of the emergency messaging system was conducted among faculty and staff on February 20. The April test will be targeted to include students. Currently the sign up for emergency notifications is only available to those who have a UH username and password. Members of the UH community can sign up online at www.hawaii.edu/alert.