The Maroon Alert System

Maroon Alert is the university’s emergency notification platform and uses texts, emails, phone calls, and more to inform the university community of imminent or existing dangers. 

If you receive a message and are in the area of a threat, take immediate action, as appropriate.


Maroon Alerts for the University

(Those with a NetID & Password)

When an emergency exists, the Maroon Alert system will make several attempts to reach you. When you receive a notification, take appropriate action to ensure your safety. Confirm receipt of the alert so the system knows it was successfully delivered.

Delivery methods will include the Maroon Alert App (Everbridge), SMS Text, University Email, and Phone Calls. Additionally, Maroon Alerts will be posted on the Maroon Alert website, the Maroon Alert Twitter account, and the Mississippi State University Facebook page.

Mississippi State University students are automatically enrolled in Maroon Alert. To edit your Maroon Alert preferences or to register:

  • Log in to: my.msstate.edu with your MSU NetID & NetPassword
  • Click the three bars on the left side of the page to open the menu.
  • Click “Banner” and then click the “Personal Information” tab.
  • Click “Update Your Maroon Alert Information” to check or update your information. You are also able to send yourself a test text or email.
  • Don’t forget to log out of my.msstate.edu

Cell phone numbers listed in the Maroon Alert System are not published in the directory and are only used for emergency notifications or periodic tests.

Notification will be based on best effort. Successful delivery of all messages cannot be guaranteed.


Maroon Alerts for the Community

Families and friends can sign up for Maroon Alerts by texting “MAROONALERT” to 888777. This keyword is not case-sensitive. You will be enrolled in the Maroon Alert Community Engagement and will receive a text anytime an alert is issued. You may text “STOP” to 888777 at any time to be removed from the system.

Community members are also encouraged to follow @MaroonAlert on Twitter to receive advisory information and emergency updates. You may also visit emergency.msstate.edu to view the latest post.


Social Media

Maroon Alert uses social media to distribute important information to the university community, family, and friends. Follow @MaroonAlert on Twitter to receive important information and updates. The Mississippi State University Facebook account may also be used during an emergency to broadcast important information.

Please note: Social media messages are not monitored or replied to.


Sirens

The City of Starkville and Mississippi State University have several weather alert sirens that may sound during a severe weather or tornado warning. If these sirens are activated, and it is not a routine test, seek shelter immediately. Additional information will be issued through Maroon Alert.

Sirens are usually tested at noon on the first Tuesday of each month, during clear weather.


91.1, WMSV

The university radio station, 91.1 has a live feed available at: www.wmsv.msstate.edu . During an emergency, important information may be shared on this channel & feed.


Emergency Hotline

During emergencies, an emergency hotline may be activated. Calling (662) 325-5555 will connect you with a university professional who can speak with you about the emergency. Please note that this line is only activated during a crisis and lines may not be available due to call volume.


Mississippi State University Websites

The Emergency Management homepage will provide the most current and most detailed information about an ongoing emergency.

During an emergency, Mississippi State University webpages will show a blue or yellow banner at the top of the page. This banner alerts visitors to the emergency status and will link to the Emergency Management homepage. A yellow banner indicates an emergency, while a blue banner is used for an advisory.

Example:

example 1 of emergency banner

or

example 2 of emergency banner


A Note to MSU Webmasters

This functionality is available to any MSU web site, no matter what server it is hosted on.

All MSU webmasters are encouraged to incorporate the emergency banner into their sites. The more web pages that use the emergency banner, the more people are likely to see a timely warning.

The emergency banner will only appear in the case of a real emergency or an emergency exercise and will vanish at the conclusion.

THE SOLUTION

To incorporate the emergency banner into your page, simply add the following line of Javascript to your page or header file at or near the top of the page:

<script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdn01.its.msstate.edu/i/emergency/1.5/hazard.js"></script>

TESTING

To see what it will look like on your page when activated, temporarily use:
Your webpage URL appended with "?bannertest=y"