By Linda Shepard
C & G Staff Writer

ROCHESTER HILLS — A federal grant has helped deliver a text message alert system to Oakland University.

The system is designed to provide a way to notify students, faculty and staffers in the event of a major emergency on campus. The school’s Police Department is one of just a few nationwide with this capability, said school officials.

“The text message system is designed to quickly alert community members who are not sitting in front of a computer or desk phone,” said Oakland University Police Chief Samuel Lucido. “We hope we never have to use the text message alert system, but it is reassuring to have the technology in place.”

In April, OU was closed for several days after threatening graffiti was discovered in several campus locations. A former student has been charged with a felony in connection with the threats.

To sign up for the text alert program, students and OU employees must register at www.oakland.edu/ready. Full details of OU’s emergency preparedness plans are available at the site — including procedures for university closings, tornado warnings, psychological emergencies, lockdowns, evacuations, bomb threats, hazardous material incidents and more.

Only individuals who subscribe to the site will receive emergency text messages. Voice alerts are available for those without text messaging capability.

In addition, the OUPD Dispatch Communications Center is now capable of receiving text message tips. Text messages may be sent to the OUPD dispatcher at 911@oakland.edu.

“Because our ability to reply to text messages is limited, and to enhance our ability to respond appropriately to emergency calls, we always prefer to receive reports or notifications by voice — 911 from campus phones or (248) 370-3333 from cell phones,” Lucido said. “However, if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation and you cannot call or would feel more comfortable texting our dispatcher for assistance, we welcome tips and reports by text.”

You can reach Staff Writer Linda Shepard at lshepard@candgnews.com or at  (586) 498-1065.