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Miami University's three campuses, including Middletown, have implemented a new emergency alert message system using cell phone text messaging.

Prompted by the need to spread messages quickly following the Virginia Tech massacre in April that left 32 people dead, including the gunman, MU has contracted with e2Campus, a notification service that allows students and faculty to sign up for text message alerts, said Jan Toennisson, director of public affairs at MU Middletown.

"Virginia Tech was a wake-up call," she said. "After Virginia Tech, I think we all started trying to find ways to make sure this didn't happen again. One of the things that came out was that word just didn't get out all around campus quickly and that's what this system does."

Implementing the system will "create a better sense of safety for the campus," said Sgt. Ben Spilman of the Miami University police. "I think that the faster we can disseminate critical information to the university community, the better we'll be able to respond."

The system would only be used for threats of imminent danger, such as an active shooter or chemical spill, or, most likely, for campus closings, said Toennisson.

More than 3,400 people from the three campuses had signed up for the service as of Friday morning, said Spilman.

Students and faculty can sign up for the system using their Miami University ID and can register more than one phone number, said Toennisson.

"Students can add parents phone numbers, if they want," she said.

Miami's program has been online since Aug. 15. Claire Wagner, a university spokeswoman, said the campus paid $9,500 for the service and expects to purchase a $5,000 upgrade this fall.

To sign up for the system, visit www.units.muohio.edu/psf/police/emergencytextmessaging/.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2805 or mgildow@coxohio.com.