Campus safety may be as near as a cell phone text message with the new “CougarAlert” system. Collin College just introduced this new system to add to the convenience and safety of students, faculty and staff.

CougarAlert immediately notifies students and employees of unscheduled campus closures, power outages, evacuations or emergencies. The system will only be used for emergency communication, and it can deliver text messages, automated voice messages or email.

After the Virginia Tech tragedy, colleges nationwide are upgrading campus communication and emergency procedures. CougarAlert is intended to improve the speed with which students and staff learn of important safety precautions at Collin College. Students and employees can subscribe to this free service at www.ccccd.edu/cougaralert.

Subscribers can add up to five addresses or numbers at which to receive notification. Emergency information and campus closures will continue to be posted on the college’s homepage at www.ccccd.edu as well.