A&T Announcements

A&T Announcements - Feb. 5, 2024

Togetherall: Mental Health Support

Feeling some pressure? Vent here and find support to tackle it all! Anonymously log in and share your thoughts and feelings on Togetherall—a 24/7 anonymous online peer community monitored by mental health professionals. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year– a whole community is ready to support you. Visit https://togetherall.com/en-us/join/freeuniversitysupport/ or call Counseling Services at 336-334-7727 for more information.

Student Mental Health First Aid Training – Feb. 24

Our N.C. A&T Mental Health First Aid instructors will host Mental Health First Aid trainings for the Spring semester. This training is for you if you are interested in learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health as well as how to respond to them as a mental health first aider. The next training will be February 24th. There will be more scheduled trainings in April, May and June for students. For more information about the upcoming February training please email ncatmhfa@ncat.edu

Student Center & Campus Rec Center Hours

Student Center      Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
   Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
   Sunday noon to 11 p.m.
       Administrative hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
         Campus Recreation Center   

   Monday – Friday 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.
   Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
   Sunday 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
       Administrative hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.

Ally Accessibility Tool

Earlier this fall, a new accessibility tool, Ally, was added to all online courses in Blackboard to enhance accessibility. On Dec. 19, Ally was added to all Spring 2024 courses and all Blackboard course shells going forward.
   
Faculty and staff can register for training at: https://learn.ncat.edu
   
Students can register for training at: https://ncat.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqc-2qrz0sHdOC1JybNFHV_QU8XvY2lxjK
   

For more information regarding Ally and accessibility, contact ITTD (336-285-4499) or visit: https://hub.ncat.edu/administration/its/ittd/ally.php

Flu/COVID Vaccines

Aggies know what to do! Come through the Student Health Center and get your COVID and flu vaccines.

The Alvin V. Blount Jr. Student Health Center now has updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID booster vaccines as well as seasonal flu shots available to protect you and your loved ones!     Stay up to date with all your recommended vaccination needs. No appointment is necessary! Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, please call 336-285-2905 or email health@ncat.edu.   
   Vaccination Hours:        Monday: 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., 2-4 p.m.
       Tuesday: 8 a.m. -12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
       Thursday: 8 a.m. -12:30 p.m., 2 – 4 p.m.
       Friday: 8 a.m. - 12:30pm, 2-4 p.m.
       *Vaccines will be billed to most major insurance plans.*

Late Night Library Access

Hello Aggie Family! Bluford Library began front door swipe access at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. Please note that after 9 p.m., only our current students, faculty, and staff will be allowed in the library. For further information, please contact the library at 336-285-4164.

Free and anonymous online mental health platform for students

So much in the world right now is uncertain and challenging—but you don’t have to feel alone. Togetherall provides currently enrolled Aggies with free tools and support so you can take control of your mental health and well-being, while staying connected to others with similar experiences. Join Togetherall’s anonymous community of college students for support and a place to voice your feelings. Moderated by professionals to keep you safe, Togetherall is here for you. To learn more about Togetherall or how to register, you can use this link, go to togetherall.com, or contact N.C. A&T Counseling Services at 336-334-7727.

A&T Cybersecurity Alert

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has been informed by third-party vendors that provide services to many of our students and employees of a cyberattack that exposed the personal data of some of their customers. No systems owned or operated by N.C. A&T were compromised in this incident, but personal information from some customers or users, including individuals affiliated with A&T, was exposed. The affected businesses are contacting affected individuals directly. For additional information, go to the A&T Cybersecurity Alerts page.

Be Extraordinary: Apply for at least one fully funded national program (2023-24 AY)

Aggie students, current alumni, and graduating seniors: it's time to actively DREAM BIG and #ExploreTheExtraordinary for the 2023-24 academic year!        -Are you interested in FULL FUNDING (tuition, living and other stipends, travel, etc.) to learn a language, study or intern abroad, conduct independent projects/research, participate in leadership and graduate school preparation programs, earn a postgraduate degree, and more?        -Did you know that some prestigious national scholarships and fellowships also include elite JOB OFFERS and access to high-level professionals?        Add NCAT Extraordinary Opportunities to your bookmarks at https://www.ncat.edu/honors/national-scholarships-fellowships/index.php. Visit that website for required campus deadlines, information sessions, and contact information for Ms. Alsace Gallop, National Scholarships and Fellowships Coordinator.        Highlighted “externally funded extraordinary opportunities (EOs)” with upcoming deadlines include the Rhodes Scholarship, the Fulbright Program grant, the Astronaut Scholarship, the Truman Scholarship, the Goldwater Scholarship, and the Gilman International Program.        Don’t wait—get connected and get assistance with your application now!

N.C. A&T ID Cards Approved for Voter Photo Identification

On July 17, 2023, the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) approved 99 institutions’ student and employee identification cards – including North Carolina A&T State University – for use as photo identification for voting in the 2023 municipal elections and 2024 primary and general elections statewide. Approved cards will remain valid for use as a voter’s photo ID through Dec. 31, 2024. 

For additional details, see Voting as an N.C. A&T Student / Employee Voter Information

Office of the Dean of Students 2023-24 Handbooks

The 2023-24 handbooks have been uploaded on the Dean of Students webpage. There have been updates to both books to include edits to the number of the student codes of conduct in the "Student Conduct Handbook.” There have also been updates to the information under several departments in the "Student Handbook." Please note that you will be alerted if any updates are made to the handbooks throughout the academic year. We ask that you also familiarize yourselves with “reporting forms,” "student rights and responsibilities" and the process for requesting "disciplinary clearances."

Togetherall Online Peer-to-peer Community for Students

Everyone is on their own mental health journey, but sometimes you can feel like no one understands what you’re going through. This is why Counseling Services has partnered with Togetherall - an anonymous, online peer-to-peer community where students can connect with others who have real lived experience. Free and active 24/7, register with your student email here. To learn more, watch this video.

Aggie Resources

This sheet provides the N.C. A&T with quick and efficient access to our campus and community resources. This will provide students with the information and support that they need when experiencing or knowing someone experiencing crisis. Listed are all available resources in both English and Spanish!

STEM Scholarship and Credential Opportunities

N.C. A&T University has started a digital badge program, funded by the National Science Foundation, to enable undergraduate students to increase their STEM skills through mentorship programs, experiential learning activities, research opportunities, scholarships, and more. The ASETTS program connects students to researchers, professionals, and alumni from STEM‐related fields currently working in transportation careers and give students extra credentials to increase their marketability and secure employment after graduation. If you would like to learn more about this program, please complete this form.

UPD Public Safety App "SafeZone"

The University Police Department and Emergency Management are encouraging all Faculty, Staff, and Students to download the public safety application "SafeZone". Put our campus emergency "Blue Phones" in your pocket by allowing you to make contact with the police department at the touch of a button. The "SafeZone" app allows you to request assistance, report suspicious activity, and get general safety information all in one location. Download today in the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

Laboratory Animal Resource Unit Renovation – Jan. 1, 2023 to Sept. 1, 2024

Suspension of use of Laboratory Animal Resource Unit (LARU). On Sept. 20, 2021, the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) was awarded a $5.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to renovate and modernize the Laboratory Animal Resource Unit (LARU). Presently, the facility is scheduled to undergo renovation beginning May 2023. During this time, no animals can be housed in the vivarium to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all animals and vivarium personnel.

Effective immediately, grant submissions that require housing laboratory animals between the estimated timeframe of Jan. 1, 2023 – Sept. 1, 2024 should identify alternatives to LARU, as well as budget for the services required, as LARU will not be available. Investigators that currently house animals in LARU and/or were recently approved and funded to conduct animal research, will be provided temporary housing space to continue their research efforts. Further information regarding the relocation of the research animals can be obtained from Andrea Gentry-Apple, DVM, Director of the Laboratory Animal Resource Unit and Paulnisha Granger-Koonce, Administrator for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee in the Office of Research Compliance and Ethics. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of transition.

Aggie Source Food Pantry/Aggie Rack

The Aggie Source Food Pantry and Rack is available to all currently enrolled students by appointments during regular operating hours. We offer food, feminine products at the pantry and professional wear at the professional clothing at the Rack. If you have any questions or would like further assistance, or information on drop-off please call 336.285.4453 or email us at aggiesource@ncat.edu.      Hours of Operation:   1 - 5 p.m. (Monday and Tuesday)   10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Wednesday and Thursday)

The mission of the Aggie Source Food Pantry is to support individuals by alleviating the stress associated with short-term food insecurity and other financial constraints, through the collection of non-perishable and shelf-stable food items. Apply today on 1891Connect!   The Aggie Source food pantry is located at 205 Nocho Street, Suite 115 (the old Sebastian Health Building). We are open to currently registered students during regular hours of operation. 

Suicide Prevention and Resources

Counseling Services is here to help. We are located in Murphy Hall Suite 109 and can be reached at 336-334-7727 for free and confidential services.

Additional resources:

   Call 911
   Report to your nearest ER
   Dial 988 for Suicide & Crisis Hotline
   Call Counseling Services
   Download Togetherall App
   Download myssp app
   Download OASIS app
   Download Early alert app

Clear Bag Policy for Harrison Auditorium

In an effort to enhance public safety, Harrison Auditorium has modified its security policy by limiting the size and style of bags allowed in the Auditorium.
      Approved Bags    • Clear Tote – Plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″x6″x12″    • Plastic Storage Bag – Clear, one (1) gallon, resealable    • Small Clutch Purse – Approximately the size of a hand with or without a handle or strap. No larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ with or without a handle or strap. Can be carried separately or within an approved plastic bag.

An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose. Please limit the number of items you bring to the facility on event days.        Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:    • All purses, bags or containers larger than a small clutch bag    • Backpacks    • Binocular case – Binoculars may be worn around the neck    • Briefcases    • Camera bags    • Cinch bags    • Computer bags    • Coolers    • Fanny packs    • Luggage of any kind    • Seat Cushions

 

Introduction to the Center for Advanced Transportation Mobility

Watch A Brief Introduction to Center for Advanced Transportation Mobility (CATM) to learn more about the center and its efforts. Maranda McBride, Ph.D., professor of management and CATM director, explains the research, education, workforce development, and technology activities sponsored by CATM to accomplish the goal of identifying and disseminating solutions that address mobility challenges associated with the movement of both people and goods as well as other critical transportation issues.

The University Writing Center is Open
The University Writing Center, located in the General Classroom Building, Room 309, is currently open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sunday (virtually) from 2-6 p.m.

The UWC assists students with organization, development, audience awareness, sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, citations, and other writing concepts for all types of writing in all classes. Students may schedule an appointment at www.ncat.mywconline.com or may visit the UWC for walk-in assistance.

The UWC assists faculty by providing course-imbedded tutors, delivering presentations, and facilitating workshops. Additionally, writing consultants will visit classrooms to introduce the UWC to students. Faculty and staff should email the UWC at uwc@ncat.edu to request services. They may also call the UWC at 336-285-3531.

North Carolina A&T Baseball Managers
North Carolina A&T baseball team is looking for student managers for the 2022-2023 season. Duties include: on field help during practice and games, helping coaches with office duties, laundry and potential to travel with the team on away trips. Great opportunity to be part of the Aggie baseball team. Please contact Elliott McCummings via email if interested (Ejmccummings@ncat.edu).

Follow N.C. A&T on Social Media
Make sure to stay in the know! Get the latest information, updates, news and activities. Follow N.C. A&T on all social media platforms. Visit here.

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination/Boosters Available
The A.V. Blount Jr. Student Health Center is available for COVID-19 testing Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

COVID-19 vaccines are also available at the Student Health Center Pharmacy Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. daily.

Eastern Transportation Coalition MBUF Pilot Enrollment

As gas tax that supports a well-functioning transportation system has become unsustainable over the last decade, the Eastern Transportation Coalition, a partnership of 17 states and Washington D.C., needs your help to explore an alternative approach, called a Mileage-Based User Fee (MBUF), where each driver pays for the miles they drive instead of the fuel they buy.

To better understand how an MBUF program could work, the Coalition is conducting a FREE Pilot Program in North Carolina and they want N.C. A&T students, faculty, and staff to join and tell them their perception of MBUF and its impact on our communities. Please see more information and sign up on this link. Your voice matters for new upcoming statewide transportation initiative!

TogetherAll - Student Support

Counseling Services has partnered with an online service called TogetherAll to provide 24/7 support to students. Students can register with their Aggie email, provide quick demographical information (can also remain anonymous) and in three minutes have access to a counselor at any time. The service also provides mental health resources, peer support communities, creative outlets and more.

Learn STEM Skills and Credentials with Digital Badge Program
N.C. A&T is starting a digital badge program, funded by the National Science Foundation, to enable undergraduate students to increase their STEM skills through mentorship programs, experiential learning activities, research opportunities, scholarships, and more.

The ASETTS program will connect students to researchers, professionals, and alumni from STEM‐related fields currently working in transportation careers and give students extra credentials to increase their marketability and secure employment after graduation.

The Premier of Esports Lab – Feb. 7

Exciting news! North Carolina A&T State University is thrilled to unveil our Esports Lab! The Lab premieres Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. in Room 222 of the Student Center. This floating event will provide light refreshments and an opportunity to experience what the Esports Lab is all about. Hope to see you there!

The 2024 GIC UNHCR Student Challenge

Develop solutions to help refugees and earn a trip to London! 2024 marks the Second Annual Global Internship Conference UNHCR Student Challenge. CIEE is pleased to collaborate once again with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to call on student leaders from across the globe to present their solution ideas to support increasing access to higher education and livelihood for forcibly displaced youth around the world. UNHCR, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.
   
Challenge participants gain valuable skills, similar to those developed during a global internship, and expand their professional networks, all while solving one of the most critical issues of our generation. Finalist teams will earn a trip to London to compete in person, and the winning team will receive a 2025 summer internship facilitated by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), and an opportunity to have their idea be selected to be shared with UNHCR and their networks.
   
   New for 2024: the challenge will consist of three rounds of competition.
   
    Round 1 (Feb. 12-23) - all teams registered to participate will be provided the challenge materials and invited to submit a solution idea in no more than 500 words to address the challenge.
   
    Round 2 (March 25-April 19) - 36 teams will be selected from the Round 1 teams to further develop their ideas and present to a panel of judges virtually.
   
    Finals (June 16-21) - 3 finalist teams will be selected to compete in the final round in London, England, and present their ideas at the Global Internship Conference.
   
   Have a question about the 2024 GIC UNHCR Student Challenge? Email us at GIC@ciee.org or check out the FAQs on the website.
   
   Registration for the 2024 GIC UNHCR Student Challenge is now open. Register early to secure your spot!
   
   Important note on student eligibility: In an effort to expand access to the challenge and give more students an opportunity to participate, students who participated in Round 1 of the 2023 Student Challenge are NOT eligible to participate in the 2024 competition.

Spring Career Fairs – Feb. 14, 21 and 28

The Office of Career Services will host the following Spring Career Fairs for currently enrolled students and Alumni of N.C. A&T:
   
   H.E.A.T. & Social Science Career Fair (Non-STEM)
   *Health/Humanities, Education, Arts, The Undecided majors​​
   Wednesday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
   Two locations: Student Center-Deese Ballroom and the Alumni-Foundation Event Center
   
   STEM & Business Career Fair
   *Science, Technology, Engineering, Math majors​​
   Wednesday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
   Two locations: Student Center-Deese Ballroom & Alumni Event Center
   
   Virtual Career Fair (For ALL majors)
   Wednesday, Feb. 28 noon - 5 p.m. (ON HANDSHAKE)
   
   View ALL participating employers and register here.

The Movement: A Dialogue on Diversity – Feb. 17

This Black History Month event, "The Movement: 50 Years of Love & Struggle-A Dialogue on Diversity Programs, will be held on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. This event is a contemporary Black History and Civil Rights narrative designed to show how civil rights law led to the type of cultural expansion possible for any cultural group that has struggled.
   
   Location: Harrison Auditorium at 7 p.m. and the event is free to the community!
   
   For information, contact the Office of Intercultural Engagement at oie@ncat.edu or 336-334-7800

Graduation Research Cord Application – Due by Feb. 19

The Undergraduate Research (UR) Graduation Cord was created by the Office of Undergraduate Research to recognize undergraduates who have participated in research experiences and other scholarly activities during their undergraduate academic tenure at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
   
   1 Please go here.
   2. Please complete the Undergraduate Research Participation form, and
   3. Obtain the signature of the faculty-mentor for the specified research experience, scholarly or creative activity.

Submit forms by email to the Office of Undergraduate Research (worku@ncat.edu) with the subject line “UR Graduation Cord Forms” no later than February 19, 2024 for the Spring graduation.

Chancellor’s Speaker Series: “Standin’ on Business” with Issa Rae – Feb. 21

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is excited to announce the next installment of the Harold L. Martin Sr. Chancellor’s Speaker Series, “Standin’ on Business,” featuring CEO, producer, actress and writer Issa Rae along with alumna Toya Bynum ‘05 as moderator. The event will take place Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m., in Corbett Sports Center.

Focusing on entrepreneurship and development, the “Standin’ on Business” conversation will provide a tremendous opportunity for students and all attendees to gain insight and tools toward their enterprising goals. Simply put, to “stand on business,” means to follow through and fulfill an obligation, responsibility or duty similar to “taking care of business.”

As moderator, Bynum will certainly add inspiration and insight to the conversation. She maintains over two decades of corporate business experience including Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Target Corporation and now Frito-Lay snacks at PepsiCo.

To learn more, visit our website.

CIE African American Council Panel – Feb. 22

Join us in Smith Hall 2016 on Feb. 22 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. for the CIA African American Council discussion on diversity, inclusion, and representation within the agency. The event will cover African American employees' experiences, contributions, and strategies for promoting diversity and equity. Panelists will share insights into challenges, successes, and ways to foster inclusivity at the CIA, with the aim of encouraging more applicants from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Chancellor’s Speaker Series “Visionary Ventures” with Robert Smith – Feb. 29

Continuing the second installment of the spring 2024 Harold L. Martin Sr. Chancellor’s Speaker Series, “Visionary Ventures,” North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will host founder, chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners Robert Smith. The free speaker series event will take place Thursday, Feb. 29, at 5 p.m. in the Alumni-Foundation Event Center, 200 N. Benbow Road.

“Visionary Ventures” will come on the heels of the speaker series conversation “Standin’ on Business” featuring Issa Rae, who is slated to discuss entrepreneurship on Feb. 21. Read more here.

2024 Advising Excellence Award Nominations are Now Open – Deadline March 11

The 2024 Advising Excellence Awards nomination period is now open! North Carolina A&T State University recognizes the dedication of undergraduate and graduate academic advisors and rewards their achievement via an annual awards process. Each year, one professional and one faculty advisor have the opportunity to receive this honor based on the recommendations of their peers and students.
Do you know an advisor that goes over and beyond to contribute to the success of our students? Nominate them today! Please contact Dr. Dawn M. Nail, at dndavis3@ncat.edu or 336-285-4133, or an AEA Committee member in your academic college for a nomination packet. Deadline for nominations is March 11.

N.C. A&T Kaplan All Access Test Prep Courses – Upcoming Deadline: March 15

The N.C. A&T Kaplan All Access Test Preparation is designed to help Aggies prepare for entrance into degree programs and advancement in the workforce through a variety of test prep classes and professional development courses. These courses will be offered year-round at no cost to participants. See the list of options below. This program is strictly for N.C. A&T students.
   
   Entrance Examination Prep Courses:
   MCAT- (Medical College Admission Test)
   LSAT- (Law School Admission Test)
   GRE- (General Record Exam)
   GMAT- (Graduate Management Admission Test)
   DAT- (Dental Admission Test)
   OAT- (Optometry Admission Test)
   PCAT- (Pharmacy College Admission Test)
   PRAXIS- (Teacher Educators)
   FE- ( Fundamentals of Engineering Exam)
   SIE- ( Securities Industry Essentials Exam
   FFQP- ( Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional Exam)
   WMS- (Wealth Management Specialists Exam)
   
   Application Due Dates:

   Spring: March 15
   Summer: May 3
   
   Questions about the application: n.c.attestprepcommittee@ncaandt.onmicrosoft.com

N.C. A&T Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium – April 16

The N.C. A&T Undergraduate Research and Creativity symposium will be held in Deese Ball room on April 16, 2024.

Please submit abstracts here. The deadline is March 15.

Please submit posters to publish at this link. The deadline is April 1. Please bring printed posters with you to present.

A&T Partners with WSJ to Offer School-Sponsored Subscription

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and The Wall Street Journal have partnered to provide a school-sponsored WSJ subscription to all students, faculty and staff.

Through the partnership, subscribers will have full access to WSJ’s award-winning journalism via WSJ.com and the app, as well as a wide variety of curated content – from podcasts and newsletters to career insights and personal finance advice.

Students, faculty and staff at N.C. A&T can activate their complimentary subscription by visiting WSJ.com/NCAT. Those who pay for an existing WSJ subscription may call 1-800-JOURNAL and mention they are switching to their school-sponsored subscription. Partial refunds will be made.

WSJ is a global news organization that provides leading news, information, commentary and analysis. Published by Dow Jones, WSJ engages readers across print, digital, mobile, social and video. It holds 38 Pulitzer Prizes for outstanding journalism.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please contact Counseling Services. Counseling Services provides trainings on suicide prevention. You can become a gatekeeper and save a life by recognizing the warning signs, offering hope, and referring others to seek professional assistance. Here are some resources on suicide prevention.

·         National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24 Hours) 1-800-273-8255
·         American Psychological Association (APA) http://www.apa.org/
·         Suicide warning signs http://www.apa.org/topics/suicide/signs.aspx
·         Speaking of Psychology: Preventing suicide http://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/preventing-suicide.aspx
·         Suicide Prevention http://www.apa.org/advocacy/suicide-prevention/index.aspx

IT Policies, Standards, and Procedures 
Click here to access IT policies, standards, and procedures related to the responsibilities of employees, students, and affiliates when utilizing university data, software, and technology including the network infrastructure.
University Hotline
If you ever have a concern about improper conduct, fraud, waste or abuse, please do not keep it to yourself. You may report these concerns or any violation of policies, procedures, regulations, state and federal laws to your immediate supervisor or department head, if appropriate. There are also two methods for reporting concerns or violations anonymously and in confidence via the University Hotline. You may call the University Hotline toll free at 877-507-7313 or make a report online. Both reporting methods are confidential and are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Follow @NCAT_AggieAlert on Twitter
Make sure to follow @NCAT_AggieAlert on Twitter for additional access to emergency notifications and alerts. Aggie Alert is the university text notification system for emergencies, life-threatening situations and inclement weather.