Alert Texts Rise Dramatically

The Oct. 2 test of Humboldt State University’s Emergency Alert-Information System generated 4,676 text messages, dwarfing the 752 transmitted during the test last spring.

Josh Callahan, Director of Central IT Systems and Services, said 174 text messages bounced back, owing to a bad address or service plans that do not accept them. He said 217 messages were rejected by carriers that use SMS (Short Message Service) spam-limiting features.

Callahan said his office is working with cell phone providers to improve future text message delivery.

The Emergency Alert-Information System has other components: the campus clock tower bells on the Quad chime for 15 minutes; information is posted at http://www.humboldt.edu/emergency and (707) 826-INFO; and announcements are aired on KHSU-FM 90.5.

Callahan received multiple reports of inaudible chimes at various locations across campus, including the Children’s Center, Harry Griffith Hall, the ground and third floors of the Library, the Siemens basement, the new Kinesiology & Athletics Building, the residence halls, and the fourth floor of the Behavioral and Social Sciences Building.

University Police Chief Thomas Dewey said University leaders are reviewing an independent sound-engineering study that proposes installation of emergency loudspeakers around the campus to expand audible coverage. A funding source would have to be found to finance installation and maintenance.

The Web site was accessed 26 times between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.; 70 times from 10:00 to 11:00; and 36 times at 11:00 a.m. and after. Everyone reported the site to be available.

Response feedback comprised 89 emails and all correspondents said they dialed (707) 826-INFO without encountering a busy signal.