On the first Wednesday of each month (unless inclement weather is expected), the University tests its emergency notification systems, including UA Alerts, the public address system and digital signage. In addition to notification tests, the University provides monthly safety tips and information to help the UA community be prepared in different types of emergency situations.
This month, you are reminded to make sure your contact information on myBama is updated so that you can receive all UA Alerts. Instructions on updating your contact information can be found here.
You can also receive information about emergency situations on campus, including severe weather, by downloading the new UA Safety App for IOS and Android devices.
New Phone Service Means Faster UA Alerts
The Office of Information Technology’s Telecommunications department is in the process of updating UA’s telephone system by switching from digital/analog phone service to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, a method of transmitting sound as data over the internet. In addition to providing a better telecommunications experience, the new VoIP phones will be able to alert employees to campus emergencies faster than the old phone system.
Beginning this month, when UA tests its emergency notification system, employees who have already received a VoIP phone will hear a loud tone that will be different than a normal telephone ring, and see an alert message displayed on their office phone. The tone will sound even if the phone is in use. The message will disappear after two minutes, or employees may press the exit button on their phone to clear the message.
Currently, about half of all UA office phones have been switched to the new VoIP system. All of the VoIP phones display the Cisco logo at the top, and look similar to the phone pictured above.
If you have questions about the new VoIP service, or need to determine if you have a VoIP phone, please contact the Telecommunications department at 348-9555 or telecom@ua.edu.
For more information on what to do in case of emergencies on campus, visit ready.ua.edu.