Limestone College students can access an instant message system this fall that will notify them about school emergencies and weatherrelated closings.

The college has installed a "Message One" mass communication system that can contact students and faculty by cell phone, text message, email, and/or home phone.

Computer software will be loaded into the alert system with a list of contact information provided by students. Students can choose their preference for being contacted.

"Message One" will contact students through multiple technologies in an effort to communicate the emergency information, said Robert Overton, vice president for student services. Emergency messages will be sent out as necessary by Limestone College communications, public safety officers and administrators.

"We have learned a lot in colleges from the situation that occurred at Virginia Tech," Overton said. "We felt it was important to have a quick way that we can communicate with students. The message system will allow us to contact students when there is inclement weather, the power goes out, or an emergency situation like a shooter being on campus."

Limestone College is working with Hames Music to install a similar alert system as part of the chime system in the bell tower by the Curtis Administration building, Overton said. Information is being forwarded to students about the Message One system.

"We hope many students will sign up when they enroll for classes in August," Overton said. "One of the good things about Message One is it uses different types of technology to send out alerts. This emergency system is only as good as the number of individuals who can be contacted."