March 1, 2022
K-State Alerts test March 8, messaging will look different
Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing
As part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the university will test the K-State Alerts system following the statewide tornado siren test at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 8.
Due to SMS carrier restrictions, all alerts must now meet new requirements. K-State Alerts will now begin with "Urgent K-State Alert." The test on March 8 will read "Urgent K-State Alert: This is a test of the K-State emergency alert system."
The test includes text messaging and automated phone calls for those who have signed up for K-State Alerts on the university's Connect website under the profile section.
Not receiving text alerts? You have to opt in for emergency text messages. Log in to K-State Connect. Go to the profile box and K-State Alerts should be the third tab. Add a mobile phone to get text alerts and click the box "Enable voice message delivery" if you also want an audio message.
The test also will include notifications on the university's homepage, email messages, Twitter and Facebook posts, alert beacons in various buildings on all three campuses and the Manhattan campus outdoor public address system. The wall-mounted alert beacons will emit a loud siren, flash strobe lights and provide digital scrolling text for two minutes. They can't be turned off during the test.
Following the test, an email survey will be distributed to K-State Alerts recipients to help the university evaluate the effectiveness of the test.
If a person only needs alerts for one or two of the campuses, they are encouraged to modify their settings in Connect. To change your settings or update your contact information, visit the K-State Connect website and click "Manage K-State Alerts."