AlertNow
This is a test . . .
Blake to test ALERTNOW on Oct. 15
Please be aware that the School will be conducting a routine test of its urgent contact system, ALERTNOW, on Wednesday, Oct. 15. You will be receiving a test message via phone (no response necessary) on this day.
ALERTNOW is a communication system that allows the School to easily and instantaneously send a phone message to you and complements the current system of posting school closing announcements on our web site, on WCCO 830 AM, WCCO-TV (4), KSTP-TV (5), KARE-TV (11) and on Blake’s Emergency School Closing Hotline at (952) 988-3444. There is no sign up required to receive ALERTNOW communications.
Blake will be performing a test of the ALERTNOW system on Oct. 15. In preparation for the system test, the following is a list of a few things you’ll need to know about receiving ALERTNOW phone messages from Blake:
- Caller ID will display 411 or “Blake” when the ALERTNOW system calls
- The system will play the message as soon as the phone is picked up. However, errors can occur if the person repeatedly says “hello” or answers in a noisy environment (e.g. traffic, loud music, etc.).
- You may press any number key on the phone to replay or restart the message. This will force the message to replay from the beginning.
- The system will make up to five attempts to reach each number, with three minutes in between each call. If the message is not delivered by the fifth attempt, it is considered a failed number and School personnel will try to contact you.
- When receiving messages on cell phones, reception issues frequently cause errors. This is the reason we encourage you to provide us with at least one land line telephone number.
- The ALERTNOW system can only accept direct dial numbers. As such, you will want to be sure the School has your direct dial phone number in the database. If the School has a number that goes through to a reception desk, please ask the person answering to let you know when the call has come through.
- If you have a telemarketer blocker or privacy director on your telephone lines, you may not receive the call.
- The system is set to leave a message on voicemail or on an answering machine after no more than six rings.