FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact Lindi Forbes

Director Public Relations

Labette Community College

620-820-1212

 

LCC Installs New Emergency Alert System

 

Labette Community College is in the testing phase of implementing a new emergency alert system through Groupcast Messaging Systems called SchoolReach.

According to the SchoolReach website, SchoolReach provides school administrators the ability to deliver personalized phone or text messages to every parent or staff, or select groups, through an easy-to-use web based system that requires no on-site hardware, software or phone lines. SchoolReach is easy to use by creating a message, selecting the recipients, and launching the message. Within minutes, SchoolReach automatically sends recorded or text message to every recipient on selected lists.  

The program can send messages via land line, cell phone, email, and text messaging. However, the text feature will be implemented at a later date due to a change in the way that data is collected for LCC students. 

 

This week, LCC employees received a test call, and most of those calls were received in less than one minute. If there is no answer by a person, answering machine, or voicemail, there is a 15 minute call back. The system will try unanswered calls three times. The calls can be launched either through the telephone system, or online.

 

The system should be complete in about a week. The system will then be a part of the normal cancellation or Emergency Response procedure. LCC will use the system for emergencies and weather cancellations. Included in the system, is an 800 number which LCC will use for more broad, general announcements.