If a tragedy or emergency happened on your campus wouldn’t you want to know? Get the latest information you need immediately through the NEW CPCC Critical Alert Emergency Notification text messaging and direct phone call system.

In light of recent tragedies on campuses nationwide, CPCC has upgraded the All Hazards Emergency Response Plan to now include text message alerts and direct phone calls to get important information to you quickly. When an emergency happens, time matters. CPCC Critical Alert is an emergency only text messaging and direct phone call system that alerts CPCC students, faculty, and staff of emergency situations.*

This system is an important part of our response to emergency or crisis situations, but we need your help to make it work. Register your phone number today with CPCC Critical Alert!

Sign up is free; however, participants should be aware of their individual cell phone plan and the costs involved for text messaging and calls. CPCC will only use this text messaging/phone notification in emergency situations.

How to sign up

• Log in to www.cpcc.edu/snap
• Under Options, select Critical Alert Notification
• Enter the mobile number where you would like to receive text notifications
• Enter up to two phone numbers to receive direct phone calls from CPCC
*To receive text messages, text must be enabled on your phone. Check with your provider regarding your plan and device. Notifications are dependent upon your wireless carrier. CPCC cannot guarantee notifications will be received by the intended recipient.

How does it work?

CPCC has contracted with Blackboard Connect, an externally hosted system that allows the College to record and immediately transmit messages to the phone numbers provided by you. In the event of a campus emergency, CPCC will send emergency messages to the phone numbers provided by students, faculty and staff who have signed up for the service. If no one answers, Blackboard Connect leaves the message in your voice mail box.

What is Blackboard Connect?

Blackboard Connect Inc. is a subsidiary of Blackboard Inc. and provides comprehensive communication systems designed specifically for local, regional, state, and federal government entities that enable rapid dissemination of critical information via voice and text devices.

When would the College send an emergency notification?

As defined in the College’s All Hazards Emergency Plan, emergency announcements would be sent in any Level III or Level IV emergency situation.

• Level III: An incident that has potential to have widespread impact to the public safety and/or property and requires assistance from an outside agency.

• Level IV: An incident or series of events that poses significant risk to persons and property requiring substantial assistance from resources outside the College.

Am I automatically enrolled to receive emergency text messages and phone calls?

No. Students, faculty and staff who would like to receive emergency notification are required to register their emergency contact information every year. To sign up go to www.cpcc.edu/snap and follow the registration instructions. Throughout the year, it is your responsibility to update the contact information you provide in order to receive these emergency notifications. Registration is good for one year. Emergency contact information will be deleted in mid-May of each year, and you will be notified to re-register at that time.

How will I be alerted if I don’t have a cell phone or do not sign up for this service?

Emergency messages will continue to be sent via campus e-mail, on the CPCC website, emergency information hotline (704.330.6888), CPCC TV, local media (including radio, TV, and online newspaper). Additional emergency communications are being developed continuously. The addition of text and direct phone calls will enhance our emergency notification efforts already in place.

How will I know the text message is an emergency?

The text sender will appear as sms@ntigroup.com

What if my cell phone number changes?

You must update your telephone number by logging into your Blackboard Connect account at www.cpcc.edu/snap. If your carrier changes but your number remains the same, there is no need to re-register.

What if I want to remove my name from Critical alert?

If you would no longer like to receive critical alerts you can remove your telephone number by logging into your Blackboard Connect account at www.cpcc.edu/snap and removing the numbers that you selected.

Will my phone number be given out? 

The numbers you provide will remain confidential and will only be released to our notification service provider. CPCC and Blackboard Connect will not release the numbers to third parties.

What kinds of messages will I receive if I sign up?

This system will only be used in the event of a true emergency such as an intruder, natural disaster, or campus emergency. The system will NOT be used for routine communication. To ensure that the system is working properly, you may receive a test message each semester.

What kind of guarantee is the College going to make that I will actually receive notification of an emergency?

Unfortunately, in a crisis situation there are factors beyond our control; therefore, there is no total guarantee that you will receive the notification. Remember this new system is only a part of the notification plan the College currently has in place. We encourage you to access all methods of communication provided by the College during a crisis situation. In addition, it is important that you provide as many types of contact information as possible, including a valid e-mail address to the College, and phone numbers to Blackboard Connect for text and direct phone calls.

How fast will I receive the emergency notification?

CPCC has taken a multi-layered approach to emergency communications to ensure that the CPCC community is well informed in such an event. Using both internal and external notification methods, we hope to reach each student at least once with critical information.

Will the Critical Alert Emergency Notification System send messages to TTY/TDD devices?

Yes

If I get an emergency text message or voice announcement and want more information, whom should I call?

In an emergency, phone lines will most likely be flooded. For additional information we encourage our faculty, staff and students to check for updated information at www.cpcc.edu, the automated emergency phone line (704.330.6888), CPCC TV, and local media outlets (including radio, TV, and newspapers).

If I have trouble signing up for Critical Alert Emergency Notification, whom can I call?

You can either visit www.cpcc.edu/emergency-services or contact the ITS help desk at 704.330.5000.