USU launches emergency alert system

USU launches emergency alert system


Save Story

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

(Press release)

Logan, Jan. 16, 2009-- Students, faculty and staff on the Utah State University Logan campus can now sign up to receive emergency alerts through the USU Emergency Alert system.

¡°In case of an emergency on campus, the USU Emergency Alert system will allow us to contact a large number of people in a short amount of time,¡± said Steve Mecham, USU director of public safety. ¡°Those who sign up can be contacted by cell phone, text, land line and e-mail.¡±

The system is currently set up for the Logan campus community, but will eventually spread to all USU campuses across the state.

Signing up in Self Service Banner allows the campus community to receive notification of campus threats to personal safety. These threats may include fires, snow closures, building closures, evacuations, and severe weather.

¡°Signing up for USU Emergency Alert isn¡¯t only important, it¡¯s necessary,¡± said Gary Chambers, vice president of student services. ¡°The Emergency Alert system is part of the campus safety initiative aimed at keeping students, faculty and staff informed and safe.¡±

The system was instituted in response to incidents in places around the country ranging from college campuses to churches, grade schools and malls.

¡°These all serve as notice that it can happen anywhere,¡± Mecham said. ¡°In any disaster people need to know what is going on, what to do and when it is safe to return.¡±

The campus safety Web site can be accessed from the university home page at www.usu.edu or by going directly to www.usu.edu/campussafety. More information on the Emergency Alert system, including frequently asked questions, can be accessed at www.usu.edu/alert. Anyone associated with the university is encouraged to visit these Web sites and learn more about the program and how to stay informed.

To sign up to receive voice, text and email alerts log into USU Access and follow these instructions:

To sign up for voice and text alerts:

* Log into USU Access and select Personal Information

* Select View/Update Emergency Alert Phone Numbers

* Enter up to 5 voice and text message contact numbers

To sign up for email alerts:

Your preferred email will also be used to send you an alert. Please update it in USU Access.

  • Log into USU Access and select Personal Information
  • Select Update E©\mail Addresses
  • Follow the instructions on that page.

The system will be tested on Jan. 29.

Related stories

Most recent Utah stories

Related topics

KSL.com Beyond Series
KSL.com Beyond Business

KSL Weather Forecast

KSL Weather Forecast
Play button