Emergency Messages

A text message system to notify employees of emergencies starts this month.

From overhead pages to broadcast e-mails, Johns Hopkins already has multiple ways to notify its large community in times of emergency. Now, text messaging will be available to anyone with a cell phone who registers.

"We recognize that there's a need for almost instantaneous communication," says Harry Koffenberger, vice president of Corporate Security, especially in light of the shootings at Virginia Tech. "In a true, life-threatening emergency, the systems have to be redundant."

Called Johns Hopkins Emergency Alerts, the system is available on both the East Baltimore and Hopkins Bayview campuses. Although registration is free, participants will be responsible for paying whatever their cell phone service provider charges for receiving text messages.

To enroll, go to the Johns Hopkins Enterprise Directory, now part of my.johnshopkins.edu, and click the "myjhed" navigation tab. Then click the "Emergency Alert" information link and follow the directions.