Make sure to keep your phones on silent in class today; UGAAlert is conducting a test.

“The test is being conducted so we know if the system is working properly,” said John Newton, emergency operations coordinator for the Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness. “We test the system once in the fall and once in the spring.”

The test will be conducted at 12:15 p.m.

“Participants will receive either a phone call, text or e-mail – depending on what they are signed up for online,” Newton said.

After the test a survey can be taken on the OSEP Web site to give feedback on the test.

OSEP was established in 2002 following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

The UGAAlert system was established about three years ago, but the use of the system became more frequent following the Virginia Tech shootings. The system has been used mostly when severe weather has hit Athens, but it has also warned students of potentially dangerous events around campus.

This was most evident last spring after former University professor George Zinkhan III shot and killed three people, including his wife.

More than 45,000 people are signed up for UGAAlert. Students can sign up or opt out of the system on the UGAAlert Web site.