While many Ohio University Students live in Ironton or nearby, some travel to class from the edges of Lawrence County. For those who travel a mile or two, or those who travel many more, it is important for them to be aware of important events which affect their campus safety.

To help keep students aware of things such as school delays or closures due to weather or other events, OUS has utilized an emergency response messaging system, which when activated, sends either a pre-recorded or customized communications to the campus community in a variety of mediums such as text messages or direct phone calls.

“These messages are sent to all students, faculty or staff members who sign up for the notifications,” Adam Reihl, director of facilities management, said. “We also promptly post pertinent messages on our website, Facebook and Twitter accounts when this need arises.”

Reihl said the emergency messaging system has not been used so far this year, but it has been used in the past on numerous occasions for weather related issues with great success. He said it is impressive how quickly the messages can be distributed to everyone who needs to receive them.