Q: Why did we name the system RAVE?

A: The name of the company that provides the service is RAVE Mobile Safety and the product we are using is RAVEAlert.

Q: How many text messages will I be receiving if I sign up?

A: You will only receive text messages during an emergency situation or during a planned test. During an emergency we cannot say how many will be sent but you will always receive at least two, one telling you of the emergency and one telling you the emergency has ended. If the system is being tested you will receive ONLY two, one advising the system test and one advising the test has ended. You will not be spammed- we do not send out ads, reminder dates, payment reminders, tips, etc.

Q: What does the system cost me and does the university pay for the text message sent to my phone?

A: The system is provided to you at no additional cost. You are however responsible for any cost associated with receiving the text message on your phone.

Q: What will the text messages say when I receive them?

A: On a text the sender will be 67283 (other numbers may show depending on load), this is the short code for TXState RAVE. The messages will vary in content but will ALWAYS have the words “TXState Alert” in the message. TIP: If you save the code “67283” (and add others to same) in your phone contacts as “TXState Alert” your phone will caller ID the text as such.

Q: What will the email messages say when I receive them?

A: The “from” will be “TXState Alert emergencymanagement@txstate.edu. The “subject” will always have the wording “TXState Alert”. The message content will vary depending on the situation but will contain “TXState Alert”.

Q: How do I know if a message is real?

A: All messages will have the words “TXState Alert” in the message formatting. You should also see multiple types of messages ie: text, email, hear horns, web page change. We do not just send a message to one media type, we always notify the community using two types of media. The most common is email blast and webpage update with the same information. Because of the text and signboard message length requirements they will always be short and point back to the www.txstate.edu for more information.

Q: Will I receive a text and/or email message on every emergency that may occur on campus?

A: The emergency itself will have to dictate the extent of the notice and how it is sent. The Office of Emergency Management and Police Department will determine what notice is best as campus wide notices are not always required, sometimes more targeted messages will be of more benefit to the community and easier to manage for the Police Department. If it is something that could have an immediate impact on the community at large then a campus wide all media message may be sent. If the situation can be controlled and confined to a small area then the more targeted message may be best. There is no true yes or no type answer to this question but please remember that the best of the community is always in mind when any messages are sent.

Q: Can I have multiple phone numbers and multiple email addresses?

A: At this point and time The Office of Emergency Management will send emergency alerts ONLY to the primary email “@txstate.edu” and your primary cell phone number. This is to assure fastest message delivery and that we are reaching the “On Campus” contact information.

Q: Ok, I received a message so now what do I do?

A: The message will contain basic information on what to do, ie: shelter in place, go indoors, avoid an area, follow those directions. If you are in class the instructor/professor will be able to provide additional guidance. If in an administrative area again someone will provide additional guidance. The best place for general information on what to do, and what to watch for is on the Emergency Procedures website at www.emergencyinfo.txstate.edu. This site gives links to multiple areas for guidance and procedures and the Police Website for Safety Training Videos www.police.txstate.edu/Services/Safety-Training-Videos.html gives additional information on active shooter situations.

Q: I still have questions about the messaging system and what to do in an emergency, who do I contact?

A: You should contact the Office of Emergency Management at emergencymanagement@txstate.edu, by phone (512) 245-7284 or in person at the Police Department in the Nueces building. Your questions will be answered and if you need some type of training it can be provided either by an Emergency Management official or by a member of the Police Crime Prevention unit.