Emergency Alert System

Service Description:
The Alamo Colleges Alert Notification System alerts employees and students about severe weather and other emergencies using phone calls, emails and/or text messages. For this reason, it is critical to keep your contact information updated so we can deliver the most accurate and up-to-the-minute news in the event of an emergency.

The Emergency Notification System enables us to schedule, send and track personalized voice messages to up to six phone numbers per person and immediately send messages four different ways:


   Voice messages to home phones, work phones, cell phones and email addresses.

   *Text messages to cell phones, PDA’s and other text-based devices.

   Text messages to email accounts.

   Messages to TTY/TDD receiving devices for the hearing impaired.

Contact information will only be used for Alamo Colleges’ notifications and will not be made available to any other service.

*Text messaging will be sent to the text enabled cell phone number provided in your personal information in ACES. By entering your cell phone number, you opt in to receive text messaging from the emergency notification system.

It is imperative that employees and students take the initiative to keep this information up to date.  A Safety Plan has been created to help facilitate emergencies, should they occur.  Please review the PDF under the How To Access Services section below.

Service Provider:

Department of Public Safety
210-485-0911

24 Hour Dispatch
210-485-0099

Weather Line
210-485-0189

Eligibility: Student, Staff, Faculty

Availability:
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How to access services (Procedures if Any):

Download Safety Plan PDF
For information on how to update your contact information in ACES and how to get Alamo Alerts, visit the Alamo Colleges Emergency Website.

Supporting Documentation:
Evac Map with Fire Assembly Pts.131.pdf
OTS - Service Level Agreement.pdf

Service Cost:
N/A

Additional Information:

Emergency Terms

a.  Lock Down - When a building is closed and locked to prevent anyone from going in and out of the building. Action initiated by Police or Administration (in person of through telephone calls / emails to departments).
b.  Evacuation - When everyone is instructed to exit a building.  Action initiated by the Police or Administration (in person or through telephone calls / emails to departments).  Download SAC's evacuation map found in the Supporting Documentation section.

Dissemination of Information
a.  In-person:  Comply immediately with directives given by Police and Administration.  Stay calm, but move quickly and direct students appropriately.  Everyone should take personal belongings with them if they are directed to move, and close doors upon exit.
b.  Website (Marketing & Strategic Communications Office updates in a timely manner).
c.  Emergency Notification System (email, phone numbers).  Initiated when appropriate.
d.  Calling tree (if campus is closed).  Initiated when appropriate.

High-Level Plan
a.  Command Center.
b.  Single point of official information (Marketing & Strategic Communications Office).
c.  In the event of an evacuation, remain in Designated Evacuation Area (with your students)  until released by Police or Administration.

Evacuations - Safety First

BUILDING EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS

a.  Stop!  Prepare to exit immediately!  Take your keys, purse or backpack.
b.  Identify and Assist any disabled person or anyone in immediate danger.
c.  Close all doors as you exit.
d.  Move to the nearest evacuation route, NO ELEVATORS!
e.  Go to and remain in the designated evacuation area for accountability.
f.  Where do people go?  (One of 6 Designated Evacuation Areas-Download SAC's evacuation map.)
g.  Stay connected.  Program the following numbers into your cellphone and carry it with you:
        Emergency DPS:  210-485-0911
        Non-Emergency DPS:  210-485-0099
        Your Department Office:  210-486-XXXX

Evacuation Chairs
a.  At least 2 people per department will be responsible.
b,  Training is available.
c.  In an emergency, call Department of Public Safety (DPS) for assistance.


Technical Support:
San Antonio College Help Desk
Email: sac-helpdesk@alamo.edu
Phone: 210-486-0777 		Alamo Colleges Help Desk
Email: helpdesk@alamo.edu
Phone: 210-485-0555 		Request Service
Submit a service work order through the Service Management Solution – Footprints.

Last Modified Date:
3/7/2025 1:58:46 PM

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