Maroon Alert Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maroon Alert?

Maroon Alert is a system of notification methods for the Mississippi State University Community. Methods of communication may involve an app, SMS texts, emails, or phone calls. Maroon Alert also activates messages on social media, university websites, and more. For more information, please visit: www.emergency.msstate.edu/maroon-alert/.

If you receive a Maroon Alert, take the following steps:

  • Notify those around you. They may not have received the Alert.
  • Get to a safe place. If you are away from the danger area or are already in a safe place, stay there.
  • Follow updates on Twitter: @MaroonAlert

How will I be notified?

When an emergency occurs or is expected, a Maroon Alert will be pushed to the university. If you have downloaded and installed the Everbridge App, your first notification usually appears there. If you have not installed the app, you’ll receive an SMS text. You should acknowledge receipt of this message by tapping the app button or replying to the text. If you do not acknowledge, the system will wait one minute and then try to reach you by email. If you do not acknowledge the email, you will receive a phone call and the message will be read to you. If you only receive a Maroon Alert email, this usually means you have not subscribed to Maroon Alert.

Other Methods:

Maroon Alerts will continue to be posted to emergency.msstate.edu, @MaroonAlert on Twitter, and the Mississippi State University Facebook page. Maroon Alerts are also displayed on many university digital displays all university computers, including those used for classroom instruction. 

How do I change my Maroon Alert information?

Students, faculty, and staff should access the Mississippi State University Banner system at my.msstate.edu to update information. 
Changes made in Banner should be reflected in the portal within 24 hours.

Can family members or those in the community receive messages?

The community can register for SMS texts by sending MAROONALERT to 888777. These messages will originate from 888777 and will provide a link for more information. Subscribers can remove themselves from this list at any time by texting STOP to 888777.

Is Twitter still being used for advisories & educational posts?

Yes. Educational and advisory information regarding potential emergencies will still be posted to Twitter. We encourage the university community to follow tweets to stay informed of developing situations on campus.

Why am I being asked to acknowledge that I’ve received the message?

By acknowledging the message, you tell the system that you received the alert and to stop further attempts to reach you. This also provides administrators with information about delivery speeds and success rates. Acknowledging a message does not opt you out of any future messages or situation updates.

What is the Everbridge App? Why should I download it?

The Everbridge App will allow you to get Maroon Alerts faster than through text messages. The app also has additional features, such as customizable weather alerts.

Can I still conduct a Self-Test to make sure I’m getting messages?

Self-Tests are now conducted in the Everbridge Portal. You may access the portal by visiting my.msstate.edu and using your MSU NetID & Password. 

How often are alerts sent?

Text messages are only sent for testing purposes or in cases of imminent danger. We encourage you to save the number 89361 as a MAROON ALERT contact in your phone and set the notification tone to something that will get your attention. Twitter notifications may also be issued for inbound weather systems or other safety concerns.

Why didn’t I get a Maroon Alert during the last storm?

Maroon Alerts are issued when campus is included in a National Weather Service Tornado Warning or other extreme weather event. There are times when a Tornado Warning is issued for parts of Oktibbeha County, but not the MSU campus. In these cases, no Maroon Alert will be issued. You should still take steps to be prepared and take action when necessary.

I received a Maroon Alert, but I have not heard any updates. Why not?

Maroon Alert is used to prompt you to take action to stay safe. Updates will be provided on Twitter: @MaroonAlert when they are available. Remain vigilant and avoid dangerous areas. 

My colleague received a Maroon Alert for severe weather, but I did not. Why is this?

First, make sure that you have opted in to receive Maroon Alerts. It is also likely that your colleague has subscribed to additional weather alerts through the Everbridge Portal. Access the portal by visiting the Maroon Alert settings in the Personal Information section of my.msstate.edu

I am getting numerous alerts for weather events. How do I change this?

If you are receiving numerous alerts, you can access the portal and reduce the number of weather event subscriptions. Selecting hail and lightning will result in many notifications.

How do I install and set up the app?

Visit: www.emergency.msstate.edu/app for app instructions.

Will I still receive alerts if I delete the app?

Yes. You will continue to receive text messages, emails, and phone alerts if you delete the app and are enrolled in Maroon Alert. You can reinstall the app at any time. 

How can I get more information about Maroon Alerts?

More information is available at ready.msstate.edu. This site contains links to videos and response steps as well as Maroon Alert information. You can also email questions to Emergency Management: ready@msstate.edu