OVERVIEW
Target audience: All McGill faculty, staff, and students
The following Frequently Asked Questions pertain to the BlackBerry AtHoc emergency communications system, which is used to publish alerts via multiple communication channels during emergencies that may affect the health or safety of the McGill community, as well as time-sensitive information about events such as school closures, weather or power outages.
Why do you need my mobile device number?
In the event of a major disruption or security threat, we want to send SMS text notifications to a communications device you are most likely to have with you or check frequently. Nearly every student, faculty, and staff member has a mobile device, most of which can receive text messages.
How do I add or change my mobile device number in the emergency notification system?
- Go to https://www.mcgill.ca/alerts-myprofile
- Enter your McGill username and password (similar to logging into other McGill systems)
- Click on the My Profile tab.
- Click Edit at the top of the page and enter your mobile phone number under Text Messaging – Personal and Save.
Can I opt into the service with an international mobile number?
Yes. You can enter an international phone number for Text Messaging; however, as an alternative, we recommend downloading the BlackBerry AtHoc mobile app for iOS or Android to avoid the costs associated with international text messages.
How do I install the BlackBerry AtHoc application (Optional)?
Follow the instructions in the How to: Install BlackBerry AtHoc application article.
If I opt in on my mobile device, will I receive text or voice notifications?
All mobile phone numbers opted into the BlackBerry AtHoc profile will receive text messages when alerts are published. If your mobile device is configured to use text-to-speech, notifications from McGill will be read aloud.
Why am I receiving two identical BlackBerry AtHoc SMS messages?
If you provided the same mobile number in both Text Messaging – Personal and Text Messaging – Work fields on the AtHoc My Profile page, you will receive two separate SMS messages for each alert that is published. Simply log into the My Profile tab at https://mcgill.ca/alerts-myprofile and remove one of those numbers.
How can I recognize messages coming from McGill’s Emergency Notification System?
Please log into the IT Support site to view the article How to recognize messages from McGill's Emergency Notification System for tips on how to protect yourself from fraud.
What kind of event would warrant an emergency notification?
Notifications will be issued during an existing or imminent event that affects the health or safety of students, faculty, and staff. These can include but are not limited to: fires, floods, electrical outages, chemical spills, and University-wide class cancellations due to major weather events.
Notifications may also be sent for urgent and time-sensitive announcements that are deemed pertinent to the campus community.
How often will we get messages from the service?
We anticipate up to two campus-wide tests per calendar year. Otherwise, we cannot predict how many actual events will warrant the use of the service.
What should I do when I receive an emergency notification from McGill?
Read or listen to the notification immediately. Once you have done so, follow any instructions provided and spread the word to others around you.
What information is provided to BlackBerry AtHoc from McGill?
McGill provides the following information to the BlackBerry AtHoc application, which cannot be removed or edited on the self-service portal:
- McGill short username
- First name (Preferred)
- Last Name
- Display Name
- McGill email address
You may additionally enter your mobile phone number for text messaging, and/or a personal email address to be able to receive messages via these additional delivery channels. By providing your personal delivery information, on the AtHoc self-service portal, you consent to receive notifications via those devices as well as to store this personal information on secure BlackBerry cloud servers.
Does the BlackBerry AtHoc mobile app require my phone’s location service?
By default, when you install the BlackBerry AtHoc mobile app, you are prompted to turn on location services, you may ignore this prompt (not allow) since McGill does not use geolocation tracking.
Turning the AtHoc's location services off will have no impact on your ability to receive McGill’s emergency notifications.
