Mason Alert Plans Quarterly Testing

By Broadside News Editor Asma Chaudhary

According to Director of Media Relations John Blacksten, the Mason Alert system will be undergoing quarterly testing on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. The test will send two types of messages to registered users: cell phone text messages and e-mails.

“While our intent is to send ‘alert’ messages only when life or property is in danger, testing is important to assure that the system is both viable and reliable. Roam Secure [Alert Network], the system vendor, will be monitoring the test and will make system improvements as needed,” said Blacksten in a recent e-mail addressing the quarterly testing.

After the initial alert is sent on Wednesday, a follow-up alert will conclude the testing on Thursday, Feb. 28.

In order to receive these alerts, the George Mason University community is strongly encouraged to register into the system. The alerts can be customized to notify users about inclement weather, power outages in particular buildings or possible danger. Multiple devices may be added per user including other cell phones and pagers.

Although Mason Alert is a free service, text-messaging fees may apply depending on certain wireless carriers. In order to sign up, either visit alert.gmu.edu, which is directed to system administrator Keith Cunningham, or send a text message to 411911 with the keyword Mason.