Emergency Notification

McMaster's Emergency Mass Notification system is now available to everyone.

Security Services is now using the Siemens Sygnal Alert system to communicate emergency notification for all students and staff.

In the event of an emergency, the Security Office or delegated University Manager will be able to send a message to everybody enrolled in the system. Emergency messages will be sent via email and SMS to all registered users. You need to register to receive these messages. Click on the links below for registration instructions.

Emergency Notification for Staff

Emergency Notification for Students

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Siemens Sygnal Alert?
Siemens Sygnal Alert is the latest addition to McMaster University's emergency notification system. It will be activated during situations that pose an imminent, ongoing campus-wide threat or danger to the safety of the McMaster community, such as a tornado forecasted to strike McMaster within minutes or an active shooter at large on campus. Siemens Sygnal Alert is a free service that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Siemens Sygnal Alert is one part of a larger system in place at McMaster to notify the campus of emergencies. In addition to Siemens Sygnal Alert, the system includes the outdoor siren warning system, use of the university Web site and the Residence Information System.

How will Siemens Sygnal Alert notify me of an emergency?
Siemens Sygnal Alert will send messages to all the subscribers via their e-mail accounts and cellular phones (SMS/text messages).

What emergencies will trigger the Siemens Sygnal Alert system?
Siemens Sygnal Alert is designed to alert members of the McMaster community during an emergency that poses an imminent, ongoing, campus-wide threat or danger to the safety of the McMaster community. This could include but is not limited to a tornado forecasted to strike McMaster or an active shooter at large on campus.
Siemens Sygnal Alert will NOT be used for general crime alerts or other situations on campus that do not pose an imminent threat or danger. It will also not be used for non-emergency communications such as campus event announcements, class reminders, news or advertisements.

How do I sign up?
Students who wish to receive notifications must 'opt-in' via their Profile under MUGSI, by providing a mobile phone number and/or mobile email address under the 'Emergency Mass Notification' menu.. You will be responsible for updating your information as it changes. More information is available on the student page

Staff who wish to received notificaations must "opt-in" by logging into https://adweb.cis.mcmaster.ca/CIS/AHTML/CISU.htm. More information is available on the staff page

Why should I list more than one device when subscribing to Siemens Sygnal Alert?
Redundant, overlapping and consistent communication is an important component of any emergency plan. Siemens Sygnal Alert is designed to facilitate early notification during emergencies. Sending the same messages using multiple modes and methods helps assure that those affected have access to warning messages and alerts to help keep them safe.

How do I know if I am signed up?
You will receive a test message each academic term.

Will my information be kept private?
Yes, the information that you put into the Siemens Sygnal Alert system is private and will not be shared with anyone or used for any purpose other than emergency communication.

When should I expect to receive notifications?
The Siemens Sygnal Alert system will be tested periodically. During a test you will receive a test message from Siemens Sygnal Alert. This will allow us to ensure the system is functioning properly and users are receiving the messages. Other than those test messages, Siemens Sygnal Alert will only notify you when there is an imminent threat or danger to your safety.

What will happen when Siemens Sygnal Alert is activated?
Siemens Sygnal Alert will begin sending thousands of messages and e-mails simultaneously to subscribers' devices. Read these messages carefully and follow the instructions they contain. Additional instructions may follow throughout the emergency situation, so keep your device accessible.

How will I know when a call or message is from Siemens Sygnal Alert?
Any text message from Sygnal Alert will show the following number: 38672.  Emails sent via Sygnal Alert will come from "McMaster University <swnalert@sendwordnow.com>" 

Does Siemens Sygnal Alert work with my cell phone provider?
Siemens Sygnal Alert can contact any phone number, regardless of the service provider.

Will we still receive campus-wide e-mails about emergency situations on campus?
Yes. Siemens Sygnal Alert is an addition to McMaster's emergency notification tools, which include mass e-mails, Outdoor Warning System, and more. Those tools will continue to be used for the situations that warrant their use.

Am I required to sign up for Siemens Sygnal Alert?
Siemens Sygnal Alert is a free, voluntary, opt-in service. All members of the McMaster community are encouraged, but not required, to participate.

My parents / spouse / children want to receive notification of campus emergencies. Can they sign up?
Siemens Sygnal Alert is limited to members of the McMaster community and requires a valid McMaster email address.

Is text messaging the best way to receive alerts?
While text messaging is one way to receive Siemens Sygnal Alert notifications, its effectiveness is inherently limited by the capacity of cell phone service providers to deliver these messages. The university also uses e-mail addresses of subscribers so as not to rely on text messaging alone to receive emergency notifications. You are responsible for any fees charged by your provider for text messaging.

What is the technical backbone of Sygnal Alert?
The University has contracted with Siemens Sygnal Alert, an international company based in the USA, to provide alerts to our campus.  Siemens Sygnal Alert uses "SendWordNow" to accomplish this, using computer servers and telephone data centres located at Canadian locations in Toronto and Vancouver.  All information provided to McMaster University remains confidential, and secure.

Questions or Comments?
If you have any questions about the Siemens Sygnal Alert, please send a message to cksmith@mcmaster.ca or call McMaster University Security Services at x24281