What is UM Emergency Alert?

UM Emergency Alert is a mass urgent notification system, comprised of a variety of methods by which the University of Michigan-Dearborn can contact students, faculty and staff of an active, major campus emergency. These methods include:

• Text messages (SMS) to cell phones
• Voice messages to phones
• E-mails

How does it work?

When the UM-Dearborn Department of Public Safety & Environmental Health (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 four communication devices, such as desk or cell phones, or text message devices.

UM-Dearborn Faculty & Staff:  Registration is available on Wolverine Access under Employee Business.

UM-Dearborn Students:  Student registration is available on UM-Dearborn Connect under Secure Area.

Additionally, the University is automatically registering all faculty, staff and student "umd.umich.edu" e-mail 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 e-mails and local news media outlets.

When will it be used?

This system may be used:

• When there is a significant incident on campus that could impact the safety of the campus community.
• When a tornado is predicted to strike the campus.
• When a major hazardous material or chemical release is impacting a large portion of campus.

What kinds of messages will NOT be broadcast via UM Emergency Alert?

The system will NOT be used to send messages about:

• upcoming events
• individual building incidents, such as:
  • class cancellations
  • small fires
  • 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.

Keep yourself familiar with emergency procedures specific to your area. Visit the Public Safety & Environmental Health website often for general guidelines to follow in an emergency.  http://www.umd.umich.edu/public_safety_env_health

Do not call 911 or DPS to ask for more information.

How will I know the alert is legitimate?

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 DPSEH and the University may notify the community about an emergency include:

• crime alerts
• public address systems on police cars
• outdoor warning sirens
• fire alarms in buildings
• mass media - television, radio stations, and newspapers

What devices/numbers should I register?

You should register the telephone numbers that most frequently reach you, such as:

• mobile or cell phone
• direct office telephone
• 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-Dearborn 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 e-mail address is already automatically loaded into the system, why should I register additional devices on Wolverine Access / UM-Dearborn Connect?

Registering additional phone devices increases your notification options. Text messaging is fast and efficient and lessens dependence on receiving e-mails 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 "umd.umich.edu" e-mail account.

What is the difference between my Personal Emergency Contact information and UM Emergency Alert information?

Your Personal Emergency Contact information in Wolverine Access and UM-Dearborn Connect 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 four communications devices you register to receive the University’s mass notification of a 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 sabbatical, how do I make sure I do not receive the messages? Can I un-subscribe?

UM-Dearborn faculty and staff:  Before leaving campus, you should edit your registration on Wolverine Access by deleting the telephone numbers in the UM Emergency Alert section.

UM-Dearborn students:  Before leaving campus, you should edit your registration on UM-Dearborn Connect 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 number(s) change?

UM-Dearborn faculty and staff:  You can edit the telephone numbers, at any time, to which alerts are sent by signing onto Wolverine Access and editing your listing under UM Emergency Alert.

UM-Dearborn students: You can edit the telephone numbers, at any time, to which alerts are sent by signing onto UM-Dearborn Connect and editing your listing under UM Emergency Alert.

Will I get messages to every number I list in Wolverine Access / UM-Dearborn Connect?

Yes, the system will send a voice and text messages to the devices you register, as well as an e-mail message to your "umd.umich.edu" e-mail address.

Who won’t be able to register?

The UM Emergency Alert system is intended for current faculty, staff and students.

In order to ensure timely delivery of information to people on campus, the following will
not have access to register:

• alumni
• parents
• visitors
• people not affiliated with the University