The University of Delaware conducted a successful test of the new UD Alert emergency notification system on Wednesday, Oct. 10.
On Wednesday morning, text and e-mail messages were sent to all University students and employees, based on contact information in the University's databases on Sept. 30.
"We were very pleased with the results of the test," James Flatley, chief of Public Safety at the University, said. "The system is ready, should we need to use it.
"Our database for the test included a little over 10,000 cell phone numbers, and more than 98 percent of the text messages were delivered. The message included an opportunity to respond, and more than a third of the recipients, did so, which is a very good response," Flatley said.
"Our database of e-mail addresses included more than 27,000 contacts, and more than 96 percent of those messages were delivered," he said.
"We're pleased with the response," Flatley said, "but at the same time it's important to remember that UD Alert will only be effective if our students, faculty and staff keep their contact information up to date."
Contact information may be updated online at any time. Instructions on how to update information is available at these web sites:
For students: www.udel.edu/udalertstudent
For staff: www.udel.edu/udalertstaff
Through UD Alert, the University is able to disseminate important emergency information quickly through text messages, voice messages and e-mail messages. The system will be used only in a major emergency when there is a clear and credible danger to the University community.
To read frequently asked questions about UD Alert, click here.
Anyone with comments or concerns about UD Alert should write to [publicsafety@udel.edu].