If you receive a text message that starts with "The University of Memphis" something serious and potentially dangerous could be happening on campus. But at least classes will likely be cancelled.
On Monday The University of Memphis launched an emergency text messaging system known as TigerText.
The service will alert students, faculty or staff, who register, about on-campus emergencies, unscheduled University closings or class delays and cancellations due to inclement weather.
Every message sent by the service will begin with "The University of Memphis" so people will know not to disregard it.
Teresa Hartnett, director of administration and business analysis for The University, said the school began investigating ways to improve their crisis management plan two years ago. But the tragic events at Virginia Tech last spring highlighted the importance of communication during a chaotic situation.
"Plans were in the works, but the (Virginia Tech shootings) did speed up our intensity," said Hartnett, who heads planning coordination for crisis management.
To register for the texting services visit http://tigertext.memphis.edu and log in using your U of M UUID and password and create an account. After you create an account you will receive a validation text message a four-digit code, enter the code into the Web page and login.
However, TigerText doesn't mean students can now leave their phones turned on during class. Cell phone use will still be governed by policies set by faculty.
The texting service is just one way The University can communicate in emergencies.
"There's no one method that would work for everyone," Hartnett said.
People can also be notified by e-mails, phone calls, flyers and police officers driving around using P.A. systems.
Also The University is in the process of installing an outside warning system made up of outdoor speaker poles similar to tornado sirens. But unlike sirens, Hartnett said the system can play pre-recorded messages or police can give instructions from their headquarters.
Hartnett said the system will be loud enough to be heard by anyone on campus. One speaker will be located at the Southern parking lot, one on the main campus near the physical plant building and one at the center of the Park campus.
She said The University will test the new alert system one week before fall classes begin.
One U of M senior said the new warning system is "a waste of money" that doesn't make him feel any safer.
"It's nice to have, but I don't think that it is needed," said Ernest Davis, 22-year-old music business major. "How often does a crisis come up?"
Hartnett said hopefully the answer is never, but she said The University has to plan for the worst because, "It is important to all of us that we are all safe."
