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Employees can still register for HSC Alert, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio's emergency notification service.

“We especially want to encourage our newer employees from The Cancer Therapy & Research Center to enroll,” said Mary Etlinger DeLay, chief of staff and communications. “In addition to employees at all campuses of the Health Science Center, associates from UT Medicine may also register for emergency notification through the HSC Alert system.

“Registration is free,” DeLay continued, “except for whatever incidental fees your mobile carrier might charge you for text messages. Also, you won’t receive ‘spam’ through the system, so there is little to no downside to registering.”

HSC Alert to conduct test on Valentine’s Day
Faculty, staff, students and residents on all campuses of the UT Health Science Center who sign up for the service will be notified via text messaging in the event of an emergency or imminent campus closure. Text messages can be received on your designated mobile phone, PDA, Blackberry/Treo, alphanumeric pager or e-mail address. A test of the HSC Alert System will be conducted on Feb. 14.

HSC Alert just one of several ways to communicate emergency messages
HSC Alert is the newest method used to communicate emergency situations to the Health Science Center community. Other methods include global e-mails, notices on the Web site and Health Science Center portal, and the “snow” information lines – (210) 567-SNOW and (956) 365-UTEL.

HSC Alert is used only for emergency contact purposes and last-minute campus closures. For example, it will send notifications regarding a life-threatening situation, major facility emergency or evacuation and/or severe weather. HSC Alert will not be used to distribute general informational notices, advertising or other unsolicited content.

Subscribing to HSC Alert is on a voluntary opt-in basis
Subscribers may register two mobile devices and two e-mail addresses. Signing up for HSC Alert is simple:
• Sign in on the portal with your username and password.
• Click on the “Services” tab.
• Choose the “Sign Up” link to opt-in to the service.

You will need to have with you the mobile phones, PDAs and pagers from which you want to receive HSC Alert messages. This is because sign-up requires that a validation number be sent to the mobile devices you designate. You must receive this validation number — and enter it into the registration system — prior to completing the sign-up process.

Maintaining your account is your responsibility
After your initial registration, you must maintain your account by updating it with your most current information. For example, you are responsible for entering into the HSC Alert system database any changes you make to your mobile phone number, carrier, pager or e-mail address.

Encourage your co-workers to enroll
Remind your colleagues to sign up by printing and posting this flyer on bulletin boards in your department. Don’t delay! Register now for this text messaging system! Your decision to sign up for HSC Alert could save your life — and the lives of others.