The University utilizes the TCU Alert System to notify the Horned Frog community of an emergency, weather-related closure or delay. TCU Alert is a mass communication program that includes phone, text and email communication, as well as indoor and outdoor loudspeakers, and emergency lighting on campus. TCU will post similar information that is distributed on the TCU Alert System on tcu.edu and share with local media outlets, as necessary.
TCU Alerts
TCU Alert pulls from an internal database maintained by the University for faculty, staff and students. This information may include home phone numbers if students have added a parent or family member’s phone number in their contact information. Inclusion in a student’s contact information is the only way a parent may receive an emergency alert, parents do not have individual records within the system.
If you believe you have received a TCU Alert in error and would like to request that your name be removed from this emergency notification system, please click the link below, complete the form and submit for review. The process may take up to two weeks and you will be notified of the outcome.
The TCU Alert System is activated for weather-related emergencies as follows
Full TCU Alert sent via text, phone and email:
- When a tornado Warning is issued for the campus
Targeted outdoors special event notifications (e.g., move-in, football games):
- When wind speeds reach 70 mph or above
- When hail is 1.5 inches in diameter
- When the campus PerryWeather Lightning Detection System indicates dangerous lightning in our area
Weather can change at any time, so be sure to monitor local news reports via television, radio or the Internet.
What is ‘TCU Alert’?
TCU Alert is a mass notification program that sends messages concurrently from TCU to the TCU campus community through multiple channels, including phone, text and email, in addition to indoor and outdoor loudspeakers and emergency lighting across campus.
How do I know if it’s a real emergency?
TCU tests its emergency communication system once each semester, with very clear language that it is only a test. If there is a life-threatening emergency, the text, phone and email message will begin “TCU Alert:” followed by instructions for what you should do. An indoor/outdoor speaker system may also be activated with a hyper-spike sound followed by, “This is a TCU Alert,” and will continue with instructions for what you should do. The message will follow the ‘L.E.S.S. is More’ format and notify you with instructions.
What is ‘L.E.S.S. is More’?
L.E.S.S. is More is TCU’s emergency response notification plan that communicates what to do in a variety of emergency situations that could happen on campus. The TCU Alert will let you know which response is needed for each case. L.E.S.S. is the acronym for the three responses you will need to know to mitigate damages and save lives:
- Lock Down
- Evacuate
- Seek Shelter
What am I supposed to do when I get a TCU Alert message?
Follow the instructions stated in the TCU Alert, which will provide as much information as is available at the time from authorities at the situation. Some emergency alerts are sent during rapidly evolving situations, and updates will be sent as available. The primary goal of the alert is to prevent injuries and loss of life in the event of an emergency.
- Lock Down – When this instruction is given, there is an active threat on campus. You must do one of the following: Run (if you know where the shooter is and you know you can get away), Hide (to stay hidden from the shooter’s view in a place that will provide protection) or Fight (if you cannot run or hide, prepare to fight the shooter if you are confronted). If you are outside when a Lock Down is in effect, you will be unable to enter any buildings on campus. Run to your car or a nearby business.
- Evacuate – When this instruction is given, you are to evacuate from the building and meet at the appropriate Rally Point.
- Seek Shelter – When this instruction is given, move to the lowest level of the building, away from exterior windows.
For all of the above, you should follow instructions from your residence hall director, resident assistants and building emergency coordinators, all of whom are highly trained to help keep people safe during a life-threatening emergency.
Why are TCU Alert messages short?
TCU Alert messages are instructions to keep the campus community safe during emergency situations. The goal is to provide direct, clear and brief messaging so that the community can read and act quickly to follow instructions. Reports from an emergency continue to evolve and develop, sometimes quickly, so it is important to follow instructions and wait for further information. The safety of the TCU campus community is the top priority.
How will I know what is happening during the emergency?
Depending on the situation, follow up TCU Alert messages will follow approximately every 15 minutes to provide a status update, even if additional information isn’t available. You should stay where you are until a TCU Alert message instructs you otherwise.
How will I know when the emergency is over?
TCU Alert will send an “All Clear” message once the emergency is concluded.
Why do you use TCU Alert to announce a weather closing?
TCU Alert is used to announce a significant change in campus status, such as a weather delay or closing, to ensure everyone has the time-sensitive information they need to be safe. When there is no life safety information to be relayed, only the phone, text and email components will be used.
Why does my family get TCU Alert messages?
TCU Alert pulls from an internal database maintained by the university for faculty, staff and students. If a student has added a parent or family member’s phone number in their contact information (for home or permanent number), that number will receive a TCU Alert notification. The student is the only person who can add or delete information from their student records.
How do I update my contact information?
As a faculty/staff member or student, you may update your contact information by visiting my.tcu.edu, clicking on the My Employee Center tile (or Student tile), then Personal Details, then Contact Details. Locate your contact information to update cell, business or permanent/home phone numbers.
Periodically, TCU tests its mass emergency communication system. It is no longer necessary to reply or confirm receipt of a message.
The test message will go to all email addresses and cell phones listed for faculty, staff and students. The test will simulate how we will communicate during an emergency situation, and all methods will deploy in rapid succession, so recipients may receive an email at the same time as they receive a call or text. The test typically lasts approximately two minutes.
These tests are routinely conducted to ensure the system functions as intended and that all audiences are familiar with it. This test will be the first this year to ensure all systems function as intended.
TCU’s emergency response calls for at least two cycles. In an emergency, the system deploys all methods within a communication cycle in rapid succession – in fact, within seconds. You may still receive multiple notices until the system completes a full cycle of outreach.
What is the TCU Alert System?
TCU Alert is a mass communication system that allows the university to send messages to students, faculty and staff (via text, phone, email and campus loudspeakers) to keep them informed before, during and after a campus emergency.
Why is TCU testing the system?
TCU routinely tests the system to ensure it works as intended and that audiences are familiar with the system.
What can I expect from the test?
Because the test simulates how we will communicate during an emergency situation, all methods of communication (text, phone and email) will deploy in rapid succession to faculty, staff and students. Additionally, indoor and outdoor loudspeakers throughout campus will broadcast the test message.
How long will the test last?
The test will last approximately two minutes, and the audio messages you may hear will convey that this is only a test.
Why did I get a TCU Alert?
Contact information for TCU Alert pulls from an internal database maintained by the university for faculty, staff and students. This information may include home or cell phone numbers.
If you are not connected with TCU and you believe you have received a TCU Alert in error, you may request that your information be considered for removal. Please visit removalrequest.tcu.edu, complete the form and submit for review. The process may take up to two weeks and you will be notified of the outcome. Please note that only those who have received an alert in error may be removed; all current students, faculty and staff will remain in the university database.
How do I update my contact information?
As a faculty/staff member or student, you may update your contact information by visiting my.tcu.edu, clicking on the My Employee Center tile (or Student tile), then Personal Details, and then Contact Details. Locate your contact information to update cell, business or permanent/home phone numbers.
If I am the parent of a TCU student and I don’t want to receive these tests, what do I do?
Only your student can update their contact information by visiting my.tcu.edu as indicated above. Parents typically receive TCU Alert messages when the student includes their phone number as their “home” number. The student can remove your phone number, and you will no longer receive TCU Alert messages.