Campus & Community

MessageMe system to be tested Oct. 22

2 min read

A test message will be broadcast midday to the nearly 20,000 Harvard community members who have signed up for the alert system to date.

Users do not have to do anything to acknowledge receipt of the test alert. “Just delete the message after you receive it,” said Stephen Rivers, telecommunications manager for University Information Systems. “The system will automatically confirm who has received our test alert and provide that data to administrators working with the system here.”

In an actual extreme, campuswide emergency, users would receive directions about what actions to take to help ensure their safety. They might also be asked to pass along important information to others in their immediate area, such as a classroom, dormitory, or playing field.

Those with questions or concerns about the test may e-mail MessageMe@Harvard.edu.

Harvard community members are encouraged to sign up for MessageMe, which is free and confidential. Yearly registration with a Harvard PIN is required.

To learn more, visit the Web site at www.messageme.harvard.edu/.

MessageMe is one of several alert systems the University would employ in the event of a wide-scale emergency situation. During a crisis, messages would also be posted on the University Web sites www.harvard.edu and www.emergency.harvard.edu; recorded on the special-conditions telephone line, 866.496.NEWS; e-mailed to affected groups; and delivered via campus telephones.