Editor’s Note:’ This article has been corrected to show that University’s emergency text message system will go through two tests Thursday, Feb. 18. The University’s emergency text message system will go through two tests Feb. 18. A test of the entire system will occur Feb. 18, as well as an optional self-test recommended by Information Technology Services. The pre-test will examine whether students’ phones are properly set up to receive the emergency messages, said Sheri Thompson, IT planning and communications officer. ‘We have been getting an increased number of people that have phones not set up to receive the emergency text messages,’ Thompson said. One reason people may not be receiving the messages is because they are being blocked by their cell phone carriers, Thompson said. Some carriers block certain codes to prevent subscribers from receiving spam texts they don’t want to pay for. These filters can also block the code found in the emergency messages. ‘It’s like junk e-mail,’ Thompson said. Students should complete the pre-test if they have changed cell phone carriers or altered their service plans, Thompson said. To complete the pre-test, students should text ‘help’ to 91492. If they receive a message back from First Call, the phone is properly set up to receive emergency messages. If they receive an error message or no response, students should contact their carrier and ask them to examine the problem. Carriers can set up phones so they receive the emergency texts but still block other spam, Thompson said. ‘It’s a very specific code, so it can still block everything else,’ Thompson said. The pre-test is meant to allow students to identify their individual problem with the system and resolve it with their carriers. ‘In terms of the technology, we want to be sure students are signed up for it and are signed up properly,’ Thompson said. ‘It’s a test to make sure on the technical side that everything is working smoothly.’ The test of the entire system is part of the regular biannual tests. The emergency text system was implemented in 2007 following the Virginia Tech shooting, Thompson said. —- Contact Ryan Buxton at [email protected]