Over the next few weeks, the university will be transitioning to a new system for sending out emergency messages and for allowing users to send urgent messages to the University Police Department (UPD). The new system is from InformaCast by Singlewire and includes an app that can be downloaded to a mobile phone.
Panic Alarms
Through the app, university community members will have access to a mobile “OLLU Panic Alarm.” When the panic alarm button is pushed on the app, university police are notified immediately and can begin tracking the location of the mobile device. It also allows the user to quick dial university police through a call button. The police can only track the location of a mobile device when the panic alarm is activated.
Please Note: The mobile phone panic alarm is replacing the hard-wired panic buttons in university offices. The technology for the hard-wired buttons is no longer supported.
Download the App Now
The InformaCast app is currently available to the OLLU community and can be downloaded through the iPhone App Store or Google Play on Android.
Once the app is downloaded, OLLU community members can log in using their university email address and password. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to download the app and log in now. The panic alarm will be the first button seen on the screen upon log in. Only use the panic button in the event of an emergency.
Check and Add Contact Information
When logged into the app, contact information can be reviewed by selecting “Self Service” in the bottom right corner of the app. This will show the contact information that has been preloaded into the system. For most community members, the mobile number they use for multifactor authentication is the contact number in the system.
Users can add up to 10 phone numbers into the system by selecting “+Add Device.” All numbers added will receive emergency and community notifications through the system.
By selecting “Scenarios” in the bottom left corner, the app will return to the screen with the panic alarm button.
Message Types
The InformaCast system will allow the university to send emergency and community notification messages through:
- Push notifications through the app – this may require going into phone settings and selecting “Allow Notifications” for the InformaCast app
- Text messaging
- Recorded phone call
- Speakers on office desk phones
- Campus speakers
Individuals who do not download the app will still receive messages through email, text message (if they have provided a cell phone number for university multifactor authentication), speaker on desk phone and through campus speakers.
System Test
A test of the system will take place within the next few weeks. The date will be announced via Lake Weekly and email.
Issues with the App
If users have issues downloading or using the InformaCast app, they should contact the university Help Desk at helpdesk@ollusa.edu, call 210-431-3908 or visit the Help Desk on the second floor of the Walter Student Service Center on the San Antonio campus.
Image of Panic Alarm