UMBC Alerts

We want to ensure the information we send is correct, especially in emergency situations where we want people to take action quickly.  The goal is to balance speed with accuracy so that people get the right information at the right time to make the right decisions about their personal safety and security.  You can expect to see test alerts to ensure Omnilert can reach everyone in the UMBC community.  Also expect alerts for incidents involving:

• Gunshots reported on campus.
• An active assailant attack.
• Evacuation of one or more buildings on campus.
• A shelter-in-place order for an environmental hazard.
• Campus closures and cancellation of classes.
• You can also opt-in to alerts for campus power outages, traffic alerts, and alerts from UMBC Transit.

Sign up or update your emergency contact information in Omnilert here.

• There are two tabs at the top of this webpage:  SERVICES and GROUPS.  Be sure to click on LOG OUT after making your updates.
• On the SERVICES tab, you can sign up for text messages and E-mail alerts.
• On the GROUPS tab, you can see available alert groups.  Some groups are PRIVATE and only an administrator can add you.  You can opt-in to any Selected Groups available.  Currently the available selected groups are:  
  • Power Outages:  Opt-in to receive notification of campus power outages or blips.
  • Traffic Alerts:  Opt-in to receive campus traffic or construction updates.
  • Transit Alerts:  Opt-in to receive alerts about UMBC Transit operations.

On the SERVICES tab, please ensure you have at least one domestic U.S.* text-enabled cell number added to Omnilert so that you can receive text message (SMS) alerts.  This is the fastest way to provide vital information impacting your safety and security. 

• *Omnilert cannot send alerts to international phone numbers.
  
• You can add a maximum of two phone numbers.
• You will need to identify your carrier for each phone number.
• You will also need to validate each phone number.  Omnilert will text you a validation code.  Enter this code on the sign-up webpage.
• You can inactivate, delete, or add new numbers at any time.
• Text message (SMS) alerts are limited to 160 characters so we always try to keep these alerts very short.
• If an alert exceeds this limit, the test message (SMS) will include a website link to Omnilert that will show you the full message.

On the SERVICES tab, add your UMBC and any personal E-mail addresses.

• Omnilert will text you a validation E-mail.
• You must click on “VALIDATE” in the E-mail before the address will be active.  This will open a new browser window that should confirm “Validation Successful.”
• If you do not receive a validation E-mail, make sure to check your spam/junk folder and try clicking resend.  Also try adding no-reply@omnilert.com to your contacts list.
• You can inactivate, delete, or add new E-mails at any time.

Download Alertus client software for your Windows or Apple desktop or laptop here.

• UMBC faculty, staff, and students can download the Alertus client.
• Alertus will only work while your desktop or laptop is logged on to the UMBC network.  You will not receive alerts on your machine when you are logged off the UMBC Network.
• If you need assistance with the Alertus client, visit the DoIT Help Page to initiate a new help request.

There are several different “Admin Roles” in Omnilert that determine the features and settings each administrator can access.

• Login to your Admin account webpage here.  Use this link to log in and send alerts from your mobile device as well.
• If you are a current Admin and you need help with alerts, you can review the Omnilert Admin Knowledge Base webpage.
• Email schaible@umbc.edu to request access and training or for help developing your scenarios.