Registration begins for new WiscAlerts-Text emergency service

UW-Madison is now enrolling users in its emergency text messaging system, WiscAlerts-Text.

Students, faculty and staff can sign up by logging into the My UW Portal and looking for the WiscAlerts logo. Registration is simple and takes just a few moments.

In addition to the campus community, the service is also being offered to employees of UW–Madison-based campus affiliates, such as the UW Hospital and Clinics, UW System Administration, the UW Foundation, the Wisconsin Alumni Association, UW Extension and Colleges, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, the UW Medical Foundation and other campus consultants. Employees of those affiliates must have an active UW–Madison Net ID to participate.

WiscAlerts-Text is free, but users will be responsible for normal short messaging service (SMS) charges from cellular providers. Once participants have registered a 10-digit mobile phone number, they will receive a confirmation message indicating they have successfully subscribed. If a confirmation text message is not received, users are advised to double-check the My UW Portal to ensure that they have submitted a number that accepts text messages.

All WiscAlerts-Text messages will arrive from the short code number 69310. It is recommended that users store this number to their cell phone and label it "WiscAlerts."

The new service will be used to send critical safety information from UW-Madison Police (UWPD) in the event of a real emergency. It will never be used for advertising or spam. Users will also receive a small number of test messages every semester.

The implementation of the system has been completed. UWPD will conduct additional training and be ready to begin sending emergency messages, when warranted, by fall 2008.

"The safety and security of the campus community is our top priority," says Lt. Michael Newton of UWPD. "WiscAlerts-Text will be a quick way to reach people who might be in class, on the bus, or away from a computer. This is one more way that we will be able to communicate in an emergency."

Should a message be sent in a future emergency, users will be asked to follow any instructions in the message as soon as possible and spread the word among a class, meeting, or with a group of friends. After a message is sent, additional information will be posted as soon as possible on the UW–Madison online home page.

WiscAlerts-Text is powered by WENS (Wireless Emergency Notification System) technology, created by Inspiron Logistics, a reliable and experienced provider in the field.

However, Newton cautions that cell phone technology is still evolving and that participation in the service alone is not a guarantee of immediate notice. There are many factors that could prevent a warning message from getting through, or getting through in a timely fashion.

"Due to carrier restrictions, signal limitations, and local cell tower capacity, UW–Madison can’t guarantee that all phones registered for WiscAlerts-Text will get every message sent," he says. "We plan to continue to use multiple methods to communicate in an emergency."

Other WiscAlerts systems include mass email, broadcast voicemail and Reverse 911 capabilities. Depending on the situation, additional communication systems that could be used include local media, the UW–Madison Parent Program, toll-free hotlines, the university’s home and news Web pages and Facebook.

For technical questions related to WiscAlerts-Text registration, contact the DoIT Help Desk at (608) 264-HELP or visit the My UW Portal.