PBC Emergency Alert System

What is the PBC Alert System?

The PBC Alert System is a set of tools that will be used to notify you in case the school has a serious emergency (Timely Warning – Clery Act). The Alert System will send emails and text messages to the members of the PBC community to inform you of any steps you will need to take in case there is a serious emergency occurring on campus. In order to heighten safety awareness, the Alert System will also be used to give PBC students, faculty, and staff timely notification of crimes that may represent an on-going threat to the campus community. If the President of the College feels that there is reasonable danger to the members of the PBC community, the College may choose to use the email portion of PBC’s Alert System when violent crimes against persons or substantial crimes against property have been reported in or near the premises of the PBC campus. The President of the College will make the determination to notify the community using the Alert System if the information of the on-going threat comes from any of the law enforcement agencies. All the releases via the PBC Alert System not originating from the law enforcement agencies will be subject to the availability of accurate facts concerning the incident(s). The Alert messages will be sent to the community by the President of the College, Academic Vice President or the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her appropriately ranking designee with the assistance of the IT department.

What would an Alert System message say?

Text Messages (SMS) may be used for situations that pose immediate danger or the closing of campus. Messages about Campus Crime Alerts generally will not be sent unless it is decided there is an imminent threat of danger. An SMS Alert would be released if the College determines that it is dealing with a “crisis situation”. A text message and a community email would be sent immediately upon verifying that the college community is in imminent danger (i.e. active shooter situation, a near fatal or fatal accident or incident on or near campus, an accidental release of hazardous materials on campus etc.). If the danger is not imminent and immediate, the Office of the President will prepare and send a message to the community via email. An email Alert may be sent seeking information that may lead to arrest of the offender when violent crimes against persons or substantial crimes against property have been reported in or near campus grounds. In such an instance, the email message will contain a brief and concise statement of the incidents posing the danger. Whether or not there is a suspected link to any other past incidents, If appropriate and available, a physical description of the suspect will be included. Directions and safety precaution suggestions will be provided in the email message. Will I be charged for any text messages? Yes. You will be charged for the text based on your service provider’s charges for text messages.

Why should I sign up?

All students, faculty and staff should sign up as this will help us alert you in case there is an emergency on campus that endangers your safety.

Where do I sign up?

You will be given a Timely Warning sign-up form in class by your instructors. If you were unable to sign up during class time, you can come to the Receptionist’s Desk at the campus which you attend and sign-up.

Will I get any messages if I don’t sign up?

You will only get our text messages if you sign up. If you do not sign up, you will miss out on any alerts sent out by the College. PBC will not be responsible for any harm you may suffer as a result of not signing up for the safety alerts. You must update PBC if you change your cell phone number. Keeping your telephone number current with the College is the student’s responsibility!

Will I get multiple messages daily, weekly or every few days?

No, you will only get a message if you sign up and when there is a real emergency that requires your attention. We will also be able to notify you of school closings due to inclement weather. PBC does not send SPAM messages or share your information with third parties.

What if I change my phone number?

In order for you to receive our alerts you must keep your cell phone number current with us.

Can I remove my Number from the PBC Emergency Alert System?

Yes, you can. You will need to notify the Receptionist or your Instructor that you would like your cell phone number removed from our database. You must notify us of this in writing- telephone or verbal requests for removal will not be accepted. You must be aware that when you remove your telephone number from our Emergency Notification System, you will miss out on alerts that may inform you of any potential danger at our school.