Emergency Notification System

Students outside of the Brittain Dining Hall

As part of Georgia Tech's ongoing effort to safeguard students, faculty and staff, the Institute has implemented a new emergency communications system. Known as the GT Emergency Notification System (GTENS), the system allows you to receive time-sensitive emergency messages in the form of e-mail, voice mail and text messages.

Everyone who has a Georgia Tech e-mail address will receive emergency alerts on their computers. However, in order to receive text messages and voice mail alerts, members of the campus community will be asked to provide a mobile phone number. While participation in the text and voice messaging notification is optional, enrolling is strongly encouraged. The information that you supply is considered confidential and will not be shared. You will only be contacted through the system in the event of an emergency.

To sign up for GT Emergency Notification System text and voice mail option, please log into PASSPORT.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GT Emergency Notification System (GTENS)?

The GT Emergency Notification System is comprised of a number of tools including e-mail, voice and text messaging, outdoor sirens and a weather alert system designed to send emergency messages to thousands of individuals in minutes. During the data collection phase, you have the opportunity to provide your mobile phone number that will be used to send voice and text messages through a system provided by Blackboard Connect-ED. GTENS will be used in tandem with other campus communication tools.

Why should I sign up for the GTENS voice and text message component?

Because students, faculty and staff are constantly on the move, this system provides the flexibility for you to receive emergency messages on multiple devices. GTENS will be used along with other tools including e-mail, Georgia Tech Web site, campus media and other methods.

Who can sign up for GTENS voice and text messages?

All Georgia Tech students, faculty and staff who have a valid ID are encouraged to sign up to receive text and voice mail alerts. While those at locations beyond the Atlanta campus may sign up for alerts, messages will primarily focus on threats and emergencies at the main campus location. If you spend time on the Atlanta campus, however, you should consider signing up.

If you are located beyond the Atlanta campus, you should continue to rely on local emergency notification systems for site specific warnings. In addition, Georgia Tech Savannah, has implemented a separate component of GTENS with messages targeted specifically for that campus.

Can my family members or others sign up for GTENS?

GTENS is intended as a service for Georgia Tech students, faculty, and staff only.

Can I include "long distance" phone numbers for GTENS notification?

While nationwide numbers are accepted, the system will not accommodate international numbers.

Who implements GTENS?

GTENS is managed jointly through the Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance, the Georgia Tech Police Department's Emergency Preparedness Office, the Office of Information Technology and Communications and Marketing.

What kind of alerts will be sent?

This system will only be used to distribute information regarding emergencies that dictate immediate action.

Examples of alerts include severe weather, evacuations and other threatening situations or emergencies. The message will direct you where to go for further information or what action to take. Less urgent messages will be sent using the campus advisory e-mail system. Following a warning, the alert system may be used to provide additional messages or an "all clear" announcement. GTENS will also be tested on a routine basis.

Sample Messages:

Weather Alert - Tornado Warning
EMERGENCY WEATHER ALERT. Ga. Tech is under a tornado warning. Seek shelter and tune to local media for additional information. www.gatech.edu/gtens.

Armed Gunman
EMERGENCY ALERT. There is an armed gunman on campus. Seek immediate shelter inside a locked room until you receive an “All Clear” message at www.alerts.gatech.edu.

How does GTENS work?

Since GTENS is a hosted and managed system, you will not need special hardware or software to receive messages. It is a multi-modal service that can disseminate emergency messages through:

• E-mail: An alert message will be sent to your official campus e-mail address(es). You can view your official e-mail address in the "Directory Entry" tab in PASSPORT.
• Web: Information about existing emergency procedures, are posted at www.gatech.edu/emergency. During an emergency, details and updated information will be provided on the Georgia Tech home page at www.gatech.edu and at www.alerts.gatech.edu.
• Voice Message, SMS Text Messages: Faculty, staff, and students who choose to register their mobile phone numbers in PASSPORT will receive voice and (optionally) SMS text messages.
• Other systems: Other campus systems may be involved in broadcasting emergency information.

During the initial implementation phase, members of the campus community will be asked to provide a single mobile phone number. In the future, registrants may enter additional telephone numbers and e-mail addresses to receive emergency alerts which are broadcast to the contact numbers and e-mail addresses provided.

Will I receive confirmation after I have signed up for emergency text messages?

Yes. A confirmation message will be sent to your cell phone within 48 hours. After you sign up online, you should automatically receive a text message to your mobile phone to confirm your request. The confirmation message will read as follows: You are now confirmed to receive alerts from us. More info text reply “HELP” or “STOP GATECH” to opt-out.

From what number will these text messages display?

You will see "23177" as the text messaging number sending you the confirmation message and all subsequent messages. Please save this number and program it as Georgia Tech or GTENS so that you can quickly recognize this number as the official source of Georgia Tech messages. Also keep in mind that standard text messaging fees will apply.

I understand that there may be additional steps required for T-Mobile customers to receive text messages. Can you explain?

If you are a T-Mobile subscriber and you have selected the text messaging option, you will receive the following automated confirmation text message: Georgia Tech: You have requested to receive alerts from GATECH. Please reply yes to subscribe. Then you will receive the following: You are now confirmed to receive alerts from us. For more info, text reply "HELP" or "STOP (Georgia Tech Account Code)" to opt out. Please be aware that this message will be coming from 23177 and that standard text messaging fees will apply.

What number will show up in my caller ID when a warning is issued?

The phone number that you will see in your caller ID will be 404-385-EMER (3637). You should program this number into your phone so it will immediately recognize it as an urgent call.

Can I opt out of the system after I sign up and can I update my contact information after I have registered?

You can log into PASSPORT at any time to delete or update your contact information.

What should I do if I signed up for text messages and phone notifications and I am not receiving them?

Please use this GTENS Questions/Concerns form to report any problems or to submit any questions or concerns.

Are there any costs involved if I sign up for the system?

If you do not have a text messaging contract as part of your cellular service, there may be a small charge for any text messages that you receive. You should check with you cell phone carrier to determine what these costs may be.

How soon will I have the capability to receive emergency messages after I sign up?

The system is updated every night.

Will my contact information remain secure?

The information collected for the GT Emergency Notification System will be maintained in a separate database used for this function only and will not be shared.

I am a student at GT Savannah. Can I receive GTENS messages?

GT Savannah has implemented a notification component of the Blackboard Connect-ED system with messages specifically tailored for the Savannah campus. You will still go through PASSPORT to register.