Officials at schools and not-for-profit organizations can use an electronic communication system to alert employees, students and others of an emergency or crisis at no cost through a program offered by a Purdue Research Park-based company.
The system, which instantly sends full-screen alerts, Web pages and multimedia to selected desktop computers and handheld devices, is part of the Safe Schools Program offered by Sensory Ventures LLC
Travis Brant, Sensory Ventures president and CEO, said registrants can use the technology to communicate every day, not just in times of crisis.
"Officials can send health forms, sports schedules, Web links, school closings and more directly to home and workplace computers," he said. "The information simply shows up on people's computer screens without requiring them to open e-mail or visit a Web site."
Officials from schools and not-for-profit organizations can visit the secure site at http://www.safeschoolschannel.com to register by providing their name, their school's or organization's name, a contact e-mail address, and a self-selected password. The account is created automatically, and officials can begin communicating immediately.
Sensory Ventures provides registrants with tools to promote the program, including automated letters and e-mail invitations. Company representatives also are available for consultation via e-mail and telephone.
Brant said the free registration and use of the program will benefit users.
"We have found that most schools and not-for-profit organizations need a more effective public communication tool but do not have the funds to implement it," he said. "We responded by creating a program that's affordable and free of advertising."