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.