Text Alert FAQs

The following frequently asked questions should assist in any inquiries regarding the optional emergency text alerts.

What are UNC Charlotte emergency text alerts?

UNC Charlotte emergency text alerts, or UNCCharlotteAlerts, are text messages that can be sent to campus visitors and parents to alert them of only the most urgent, potentially life-threatening events and condition changes affecting campus. These alerts are similar to NinerAlerts, but are intended for parents and campus visitors who do not already receive NinerAlerts. Desired users must sign up to receive these messages.

Please note, students, faculty and staff automatically receive NinerAlerts and do not need to sign up for UNCCharlotteAlerts.

How do I sign up for UNC Charlotte emergency text alerts?

Text the keyword UNCCharlotteAlerts to 67283 from your mobile device. Message and data rates may apply. Text messages are sent on an as-needed basis. This service is provided per the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Text STOP to 67283 to cancel or HELP for tech support.

What happens when I sign up for emergency text alerts?

You will receive two responses, one confirming your opt-in request and another describing how to opt-out in the future. Message and data rates may apply.

How often will I receive messages?

UNCCharlotteAlerts and NinerAlerts are only sent for the most urgent, potentially life-threatening events affecting UNC Charlotte and for campus condition changes. There is no way to be certain how often these messages will be sent as they are incident specific.

Who can sign up for UNC Charlotte emergency text alerts?

Parents and visitors may sign up to receive the most urgent NinerAlerts messages. UNC Charlotte students, faculty and staff are automatically signed up for emergency text alerts.

Are these messages the same as NinerAlerts?

These messages are sent from the same system and at the same time as NinerAlerts. UNCCharlotteAlerts messages are a separate distribution list that only receives the most urgent NinerAlerts messages.

A UNC Charlotte account (students, faculty and staff only) is needed to receive all NinerAlerts messages.

NinerAlerts accounts will not be affected by signing up for these messages, however all NinerAlerts accounts receive these messages already.

A NinerAlert was issued, but I didn’t receive an emergency text alert. Why?

If you have signed up to receive the emergency text alerts —
UNCCharlotteAlerts are sent to inform campus visitors and parents about the most urgent, potentially life-threatening events affecting UNC Charlotte and for campus condition changes. Less urgent NinerAlerts (i.e. thunderstorm warnings, flash flood warnings) are not sent to this distribution list.

If you signed up to receive the alerts more than 365 days ago —
The system resets after one year and your subscription expires automatically. Desired users must sign up each year for the emergency text alerts.

If you have not signed up for the alerts —
Desired users must sign up to receive the alerts.

Why do the alert messages come from different short code numbers?

The software behind NinerAlerts uses four different short code numbers to send out messages. This increases the capabilities of sending large amounts of messages during emergencies. You may receive messages from: 67283, 78015, 77295 or 226787.

Can I opt-out of receiving these messages?

If you no longer wish to receive emergency text alerts, simply reply to any of the text messages sent from the above short code numbers with STOP UNCCharlotteAlerts. If you choose to opt-in at a later date, you can sign up again.

When will these messages end?

Your subscription to UNCCharlotteAlerts will expire 365 days after registration. To opt-out earlier, see above. You may also re-register once your subscription has expired. A message will be sent letting you know that your subscription has expired.

Will removing my number affect my ability to receive NinerAlerts?

No. Should you already have a NinerAlerts account, replying STOP UNCCharlotteAlerts will not affect your NinerAlerts account. However, if you reply stop all, you will no longer receive any NinerAlert text messages.

Who can I contact if there is a problem?

If you experience problems signing up or removing your number, please contact Kevin Martin in the Office of Emergency Management at kevin.martin@charlotte.edu.