UM EMERGENCY ALERT FAQ
- How does it work?
- Why is UM providing this service?
- When will it be used?
- When won’t it be used?
- Will you send TEST messages? All Clear messages?
- What should I do when I get an alert?
- How will I know the alert is legitimate?
- What other ways will the University alert the community about an emergency?
- What devices/numbers should I register?
- Is my contact information confidential?
- Will I receive marketing text messages?
- Is there a charge for subscribing?
- If my email address is already automatically loaded into the system, why should I register additional devices on Wolverine Access?
- What happens if I don’t register any telephone numbers?
- What is the difference between my Personal Emergency Contact information and UM Emergency Alert information?
- What will be the Caller ID when I receive a UM Emergency Alert?
- If I leave campus for the summer or for an extended period, how do I make sure I do not receive the telephone messages?
- What if my telephone numbers change?
- Will I get messages to every number I list in Wolverine Access?
- Who won’t be able to register?
What is UM Emergency Alert?
UM Emergency Alert is a mass urgent notification system, comprised of a variety of methods by which the University can notify students, faculty and staff of an active, major campus emergency:
- Text messages (SMS) to cell phones
- Voice messages to phones
- Emails
How does UM Emergency Alert work?
When the Department of Public Safety (DPS) determines there is an active emergency in which the public safety of most of the campus may be at risk, DPS will initiate an urgent notification through the UM Emergency Alert system. In order to receive these urgent notification alert messages, faculty, staff and students may register up to three communication devices, such as text message devices, cell phones or desk phones. Registration is available on Wolverine Access.
Additionally, the University is already automatically registering all faculty, staff and student umich email addresses.
Why is UM providing this service?
As a large multi-campus system, we require more than a single mode of notification in an emergency. UM Emergency Alert will add to the array of communication methods the DPS uses during campus emergencies, such as DPS crime alerts, regular campus emails and local news media outlets.
When will it be used?
This system may be used when a tornado is predicted to strike the campus, or when a major chemical spill is impacting a large portion of campus, or if a person actively shooting a weapon is on the loose.
What kinds of messages will NOT be broadcast via UM Emergency Alert?
The system will NOT be used to send messages about an upcoming event, nor will it be used to inform about individual building incidents such as class cancellations, small fires or suspicious packages.
Will the University be testing the UM Emergency Alert system?
The University plans to test the system on a regular basis, at least once per semester. If the message is a test of the system, it will be delivered with the subject line: “TEST: UM Emergency Alert.” Any message that does not include the word “TEST” is an urgent message.
Once an alert has been sent, will we receive a second “all clear” message?
In many instances, a second message with updated information or an “all clear” will be sent.
What should I do when I get an alert?
The message should tell you what action to take for the situation occurring at that time. Do not call 911 to ask for more information. Consult the U-M Emergency Procedures flipchart for general guidelines to follow in emergencies. Information about the specific incident also should be available on the DPS website.
How will I know the alert is legitimate?
The alerts will indicate they are a UM Emergency Alert. The Caller ID for the incoming alert calls will be:
- Ann Arbor Campus: (734) 647-0911
- Dearborn Campus: (313) 593-0911
- Flint Campus: (810) 767-1863
We suggest you add these Caller ID numbers to your personal phone contact list and name them “UM Emergency Alert,” so you will easily recognize them as an urgent emergency notification.
What other ways will the University alert the community about an emergency?
Depending upon the specific situation, other methods DPS and the University may notify the community about an emergency include crime alerts, plasma screens, public address systems on police cars, outdoor warning sirens, fire alarms in buildings and the mass media—television and radio stations and newspapers.
Registering My Information:
What devices/numbers should I register?
You should register the telephone numbers that most frequently reach you, such as a mobile or cell phone, direct office telephone or home telephone. You should not list your department receptionist.
Is there a charge for subscribing to the UM Emergency Alert system?
The University of Michigan will not charge a fee. However, by registering for this service, users are responsible for charges made by mobile service providers related to text messages and mobile phone calls - for both actual and test messages. We expect to test the UM Emergency Alert system at least once a semester.
Is my contact information confidential? Will my contact information be shared with anyone?
The contact data you enter will be provided to the third-party vendor the University has employed for the purpose of making the urgent notifications. No identifying information (such as your name, etc.) will be provided to the third-party vendor. The third-party vendor has agreed that they have no right to use your contact information for any purpose other than notifying you via UM Emergency Alert.
Will I receive marketing text messages?
No. The only messages you should ever receive will be a test or actual urgent notification of an emergency.
If my email address is already automatically loaded into the system, why should I register additional devices on Wolverine Access?
Registering additional phone devices increases your notification options. Text messaging is fast and efficient and lessens dependence on receiving emails during an emergency situation.
What happens if I don’t register any telephone numbers?
When an urgent notification is activated, you will receive the alert via your umich email account.
Managing My Information:
What is the difference between my Personal Emergency Contact information and UM Emergency Alert information?
Your Personal Emergency Contact information (also loaded in Wolverine Access) is used by University officials and campus police for the purpose of notifying an individual’s designated contact(s) of medical emergencies, death, missing person(s), or other emergency situations. The UM Emergency Alert contact information is the list of one to three communications devices you register to receive the University’s mass notification of an urgent campus emergency.
What will be the Caller ID when I receive a UM Emergency Alert?
The Caller ID for the incoming alert calls will be:
- Ann Arbor Campus: (734) 647-0911
- Dearborn Campus: (313) 593-0911
- Flint Campus: (810) 767-1863
We suggest you add these Caller ID numbers to your personal phone contact list and name them “UM Emergency Alert,” so you will easily recognize them as an urgent emergency notification.
If I leave campus for the summer or for an extended period, how do I make sure I do not receive the telephone messages?
Before leaving campus, you should edit your registration on Wolverine Access by deleting the telephone numbers in the UM Emergency Alert section. Just remember to re-register when you return to campus.
What if my telephone numbers change?
You can edit the telephone numbers to which alerts are sent by signing onto Wolverine Access and editing your listing under UM Emergency Alert.
Will I get messages to every number I list in Wolverine Access?
Yes, the system will send a voice and text messages to the devices you register, as well as an email message to your umich email address.
Who won’t be able to register?
The UM Emergency Alert system is intended for current faculty, staff and students, including employees of the U-M Health System. In order to ensure timely delivery of information to people on campus, alumni, parents, visitors and people not affiliated with the University will not have access to register.
Other things to know: —You may receive alerts during the night. — The alert message will be brief so that it can be delivered as quickly as possible to the entire campus and will fit into text messaging constraints.
If you have additional questions or comments, please send them to um-emergency-alert@umich.edu.