Purdue to test emergency notification text messaging on April 7
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University will test its text messaging system at 10 a.m. April 7.
The test is to gather data to both evaluate improvements the university has made and to look for possible future improvements, said Ron Wright, director of emergency preparedness.
The text message will read: This is a TEST of the Purdue emergency notification text messaging system. In a real emergency, check www.purdue.edu for details.
More than 37,650 students, faculty and staff have registered for text messages as part of the Purdue Alert system. To register or update, go to https://www.purdue.edu/securepurdue and click on "Change My Emergency Contact Number."
Scott Ksander, executive director of information technology networks and security, recommends that Verizon Wireless subscribers update the network information in their cell phones quarterly to help ensure they will receive text messages. To do so, call *228 ("star" 228) and select option 2, "Update Roaming Capabilities." No action is necessary for other wireless carriers.
Text messages are one of several layers of the Purdue Alert system that notifies the campus community of situations that could affect safety. The alert system also includes campus-wide e-mailing, the Purdue home page, Purdue's Facebook emergency notification group, sirens and Boiler TV.
For more information on Purdue's emergency preparedness programs, visit https://www.purdue.edu/emergency_preparedness/
Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu
Source: Ron Wright, 765-494-0446, rdwright@purdue.edu