The DukeALERT Emergency Notification System
The DukeALERT System will send faculty, staff and students short message service (SMS) text messages in the event of an emergency. The service is offered at no charge, but standard text messaging rates may apply, according to your agreement with your wireless service provider. Read more about DukeALERT below. To subscribe to DukeAlert, you'll need your NetID and password, and you'll need the phone number for the device on which you want to receive notices.
- Why is Duke offering this service?
- What is a text message?
- Who can subscribe?
- When will Duke send an emergency text message?
- How much does the service cost?
- How do I sign up?
- Will my cell phone number be published or shared with others?
- Is message delivery guaranteed?
- What if I want to stop receiving messages?
- Can I respond to the text message?
- Can I get emergency text messaging on multiple phones?
- If I have a Duke cell phone or mobile device as part of my work, am I automatically registered for emergency text messages?
- How do I change my cell phone number?
- Can I use a special ring tone for an emergency text?
- When I register, how long will it take for the service to begin?
- Can I register my international wireless phone number for Duke's text messaging service?
Why is Duke offering this service?
Duke’s emergency communication approach is based on redundancy, relying on multiple methods to reach members of the university as well as parents, alumni, visitors and the news media.
Duke’s goal is to send alert messages within 30 minutes of officials' being notified of an emergency situation. While other means may be used, the primary methods of alerting people include e-mail, public address systems and text messaging.
What is a text message?
Text messaging (or texting) is the common term for sending short (160 characters or fewer, including spaces) text messages from mobile phones or devices using the Short Message Service (SMS). The DukeALERT text messaging system will send short notifications to mobile devices that have been registered to receive these messages. Because the length of these messages is limited, users will be referred to www.emergency.duke.edu for more details about the emergency.
Back to the topWho can subscribe?
Any Duke student, faculty member or staff member with a valid NetID can register to receive messages on a mobile number with text messaging service.
Back to the topWhen will Duke send an emergency text message?
Emergency text messaging will be used to alert Duke community members of imminent danger. For instance, if a tornado was sighted in the area, Duke officials would send a DukeAlert text message instructing people to seek shelter. The university will also send test messages as part of periodic testing of the DukeALERT system.
Back to the topHow much does the service cost?
There is no additional cost for this service. However, standard text messaging rates apply based on an individual’s agreement with his/her cell phone service provider.
Back to the topHow do I sign up?
Go to https://sms.oit.duke.edu/register. You will need your NetID and mobile phone number to enroll. You can enroll from any computer that has access to the Internet.
Back to the topWill my cell phone number be published or shared with others?
Cell phone numbers registered for text messaging will be maintained in Duke’s systems and will be considered confidential personnel or student information, which is managed under strict privacy guidelines.
Back to the topIs message delivery guaranteed?
The company providing Duke’s text messaging service will send all messages; however, message delivery cannot be guaranteed due to factors beyond its control, such as service problems from an individual’s cell phone service provider, poor reception, or other problems.
Back to the topWhat if I want to stop receiving messages?
Go to https://sms.oit.duke.edu/register and follow the instructions to unsubscribe.
Back to the topCan I respond to the text message?
No. This is a notification system only; it does not support two-way communication.
Back to the topCan I get emergency text messaging on multiple phones?
No. At this time, subscription is limited to one mobile device per person.
Back to the topIf I have a Duke cell phone or mobile device as part of my work, am I automatically registered for emergency text messages?
No. All employees with a Duke cell phone or mobile device are allowed to sign up for emergency text messaging service, but individuals must opt in for the service.
Back to the topHow do I change my cell phone number?
If you want to change the mobile number to which emergency text messages are sent, go to https://sms.oit.duke.edu/register, change the number and click on the "Submit" button.
Back to the topCan I use a special ring tone for an emergency text?
It depends on your cell phone capabilities. You may need to contact your phone company to inquire.
Back to the topWhen I register, how long will it take for the service to begin?
Due to system processing and activation, please allow one business day after registering or making changes to your mobile number for test messages to be distributed.
Back to the topCan I register my international wireless phone number for Duke's text messaging service?
At this time, only 10-digit numbers (3-digit area code and 7-digit phone number) can be registered to receive text messages.
Back to the top