InformaCast System

The InformaCast Alert System may be used to quickly provide the campus community, or segments of it, with severe weather information, or other important information through the use of the Cisco IP Phone system. Text messages, preceded by an alert tone, can be sent through the IP phone system and displayed on the IP phone screen.

At the present time, there are six messages prepared for distribution to the campus community:

1. Cancellation of School/Classes  - 10 second steady tone followed by text message.
2. General Announcements - 10 second steady tone followed by text message.
3. Test - 10 second steady tone followed by text message.
4. Severe Thunderstorm Warning - 10 second pulsating tone followed by text message.
5. Tornado Warning - 15 second alternating tone followed by text message.
6. Campus Building Lockdown - 15 second alternating tone followed by text message.

 What is seen and heard on the phone:

• A short beep will be heard, followed by a tone.
• The mute button will light up (red) and remain lit until the tone stops.
• The announcement message will be displayed on screen showing the type of message being sent and advising the individual to push the “Details” button for further information.
• After pushing the “Details” button, the complete information will be displayed on screen.

What is seen and heard if the phone is in use at the time of the alert:

• A short beep will not be heard, the tone will sound in handset.
• The mute button will NOT light up.
• The call will not be terminated, but volume will be reduced while the tone
  is sounding.
• An announcement message will be displayed on screen showing the
  type of message being sent and advising the individual to push the
  “Details” button for further information.
• After pushing the “Details” button, the complete information will be
  displayed on screen.
• Once the tone has stopped, normal conversation can continue.
• Pushing the “Exit” button will reset the screen to the normal display.

Silencing the Tone/Disconnecting from the Alert

• Pushing the “Stop” button while the tone is sounding will silence the tone.
• Picking up the handset will not silence the tone.
• Pushing the “Exit” button will reset phone to regular use.
• After the tone has silenced, picking up the handset will reset the phone to
  regular use.