 Printer friendly version |
 E-mail to a friend |
Updated Friday, December 11, 2009 5:03 PM
Superintendent's Desk 121109
Van Alstyne ISD is again implementing the Flash Alert system for emergency communications using electronic media (computers and cell phones) as the communication tools.
This system allows the District to communicate its emergencies, like weather closures, to its staff, employees and other interested subscribers DIRECTLY to their home computers and personal cell phones. A closure message will come directly to your home devices within five minutes of being sent out. It also allows for announcement of non-closure emergency or information like electricity outages.
The sign-up is voluntary; however, for the system to work adequately and get the information to as many people as possible, we need as many staff members and households as possible to sign up.
All cell phone numbers and home computer e-mail addresses are maintained at an off-site server. Van Alstyne ISD will not know who has signed up
only how many have signed up. Your home computer and cell phone are protected and will not be available to any online or text messaging marketers. This is part of the agreement with the vendor.
To register, please follow these directions in detail:
1. Sign on to http://www.flashalert.net/.
2. Click on the Dallas Button on the map.
3. Click on Grayson & Collin County Schools.
4. Click on Van Alstyne ISD.
5. At the prompt enter your e-mail address.
6. At the prompt, re-enter your e-mail address.
7. Under "Add an Organization" Select: Dallas/Ft. Worth/North Central Texas
8. Under "Select" choose: Grayson & Collin Co Schools.
9. Under "Organization" select: Van Alstyne ISD.
10. Click on the SUBSCRIBE button.
Note: This is important. If you don't do this, your registration will not work.
11. Add up to FOUR additional addresses to receive emergency information, i.e., home computer e-mail address, cell phone address (follow directions posted), spouse office computer e-mail, etc.
NOTE: In signing up your cell phone for text messaging, there are SEVEN providers listed (Cingular/AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, Nextel, Qwest, and Alltel). Be sure and enter your cell phone number prior to entering the @stem or it won't work. For example, 9035555555@verizon.com)
12. Click on the RED LINE to send a test message. One should appear within five minutes on your computers and your cell phone.
13. Log out (last line on the left navigation bar.)
14. You're done and ready to receive emergency messages at home from Van Alstyne ISD. They will appear as info@flashalert.net.
NOTE: If you were successful in signing up for this service you will receive a test message from Flash Alert within minutes. If you do not receive this message you may have failed to click on the subscribe button in step 10.
Dr. Alan Seay is the superintendent of the Van Alstyne Independent School District.
| 
