YSU introduces new emergency alert system for students and employees

The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded.

Youngstown State University is introducing a new and improved emergency alert system for students and employees. “After much research, we have decided to sign on with the Rave Mobile Safety system to provide our emergency alert notifications,” YSU Police Chief John Beshara said. “More than 1,000 colleges and universities nationwide employ the Rave system. Rave provides a state-of-the-art, reliable system that will help make our communication capabilities among the best in the nation.” YSU’s new system will be called PenguinAlert, replacing the current YSUAlert system. Beshara emphasized that students and employees must re-register their cell phone numbers in the new system. “Communications is crucial in the event of a campus emergency; that’s why it is critical that everyone sign up for PenguinAlert – today,” he said. The new system is open only to registered students and employees with an official YSU email address. To sign up:

• Visit the YSU homepage, www.ysu.edu, and click on PenguinAlert at the bottom of the page.
• Fill in your YSU username and password and click “Login.”
• Accept the terms of use for the RAVE Mobile Safety system (first time use).
• This will take you to the registration page. Under the “My Account” tab, add your cell phone number.
• You may also add two additional mobile phone numbers and two additional email addresses.
• For assistance, call the Tech Desk at 330-941-1595.

“It is imperative that you register your cell phone number so you can receive these alert messages,” Beshara said. “Please register promptly.” PenguinAlert is used by YSU to instantly reach students and employees when an urgent situation needs to be communicated. In the event of an emergency, a message will be sent to the mobile number and/or email registered with the system. The service is provided by YSU at no cost; however, message and data rates may apply. The alert system is among several communications tools that YSU has available in an emergency. The university also has in place a campus-wide mass communications and alarm system and an emergency information telephone line, 330-941-2222. In addition, messages will be posted via the official YSU Facebook and Twitter accounts, WYSU-FM, campus marquees and the YSU homepage, www.ysu.edu, and the YSU News Center, www.ysunews.com. For more information, read the YSU Crisis Communications Plan.