Emergency Desktop Notifications

UTMB Health offers a desktop notification tool that allows quick notification of the UTMB community of an imminent threat or emergency.  

The tool, called “AlertUs,” pushes a notification to user desktops. The alert window will contain a brief indication of the threat. The alert can be immediately cleared by clicking the “acknowledge” button or it will go away automatically after two minutes. Depending on the nature of the emergency, the messages will present as a large pop-up window centered on the screen, or as a ticker at the top of a computer display. (See examples of the notifications)

 The capability is reserved for the most critical of incidents and was developed with an active shooter scenario in mind. The tool is deployed to all UTMB computers. The system will be tested annually. When a message is activated, it is sent systemwide.  

 A computer that is performing some unique, essential need that could be disrupted by the alert popup can be excluded from the system (such as those supporting monitoring, testing or security functions, or critical patient care procedures). Exemption requests will be carefully reviewed. Typical desktops, workstations, and PCs used by individuals will not be exempted.    

 Exemption requests should be made using the AlertUs Exemption Form. 

Go Mobile with UTMB Alerts

UTMB employees and students are automatically enrolled in the UTMB Alerts notification system, using basic directory information such as UTMB email and phone number.

We strongly recommend entering your mobile contact information (text, cell phone, etc.) into your UTMB Alerts contact details, via the enrollment portal. This will ensure you get emergency messages quickly on a device you have with you (nearly) always.

UTMB Alerts Priority Settings

UTMB has adopted the contact path sequence below:

1. Text message
2. Mobile phone
3. UTMB email
4. Other email
5. UTMB phone (direct line preferred)
6. Home phone