Safety First

UPDATE: Statewide Tornado Drill March 4th CANCELLED

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Due to forecasted inclement weather in the Springfield/Greene County area, the statewide tornado drill scheduled tomorrow, March 4th, has been cancelled for our area.  There is no scheduled make-up date at this time.  Please note that the regularly scheduled monthly test will be Wednesday, March 11th at 10:00 a.m.

MSU Alert: This will be only a drill.

In cooperation with the State Emergency Management Agency, Missouri State University is participating in the Missouri Statewide Tornado Drill on March 4th at 11:00 a.m. Please respond as if this were an actual tornado emergency. During a tornado or other severe weather emergency, the following actions are recommended:

  1. Remain calm.
  2. Do not use elevators.
  3. Go to the nearest designated shelter location. If unsure, seek shelter in the lowest level of a building and stay away from windows.
  4. Offer to help those who need assistance.
  5. After the tornado has passed, call 9-1-1 to report any injuries or damage, and evacuate the building if necessary.
  6. Do not leave the building/shelter area until an all-clear is given or the warning has expired.

Please refer to the Emergency Preparedness and Response website for detailed instructions on shelter locations and additional information.

Thank you for your participation in helping keep our campus community safe!

Missouri State Alert Spring Semester Test

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Test Alert

The Spring semester test is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, at 10:50 a.m.

Missouri State Alert

Missouri State University launched an improved emergency alert system on July 1, 2025, designed to keep our campus community safer and better informed during critical situations.

Enhanced communication

The upgraded system can send targeted messages to specific groups within our university community, delivering more relevant information for weather alerts, security threats, campus closures and other critical incidents.

How it works

The system automatically determines communication methods based on university protocols—you cannot select your preferred method. You can update contact details in My Missouri State.

To officially update contact information

Recognizing official alerts

Add these to your contacts to prevent alerts from going to spam.  All legitimate alerts come from these designated sources:

  • Phone messages:
    • Standard text alerts:
      • 58843
    • Non-emergency:
      • 417-510-4744
    • Emergency:
      • 833-586-0048
      • 833-510-1110
      • 833-489-1417
      • 833-545-0043

Additional Information

This enhancement is part of our ongoing campus safety commitment. A new safety app, Bear Shield, has launched this fall with additional features.

Participation of the mass notification system is mandatory—no opt-out options ensure every community member receives critical safety information when it matters most.

More frequently asked questions about Missouri State Alert can be found on the University Safety website.

Missouri State Alert Fall Semester Test

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Test Alert

The Fall semester test is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, at 10:50 a.m.

Missouri State Alert

Missouri State University launched an improved emergency alert system on July 1, designed to keep our campus community safer and better informed during critical situations.

Enhanced communication

The upgraded system can now send targeted messages to specific groups within our university community, delivering more relevant information for weather alerts, security threats, campus closures and other critical incidents.

How it works

The system automatically determines communication methods based on university protocols—you cannot select your preferred method. You can update contact details in My Missouri State.

To officially update contact information

Recognizing official alerts

All legitimate alerts come from these designated sources:

Add these to your contacts to prevent alerts from going to spam.

Additional Information

This enhancement is part of our ongoing campus safety commitment. A new safety app, Bear Shield, has launched this fall with additional features.

Participation of the mass notification system is mandatory—no opt-out options ensure every community member receives critical safety information when it matters most.

More frequently asked questions about Missouri State Alert can be found on the University Safety website.

Missouri State to participate in statewide tornado drill March 6

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The United States averages 70 deaths per year from tornadoes.

On March 6, Missouri State University will participate in a statewide tornado drill. This drill, part of a coordinated effort to enhance campus safety, will simulate emergency procedures in severe weather.

The Missouri State University Alert system will be activated at 11 a.m., March 6, across all communication channels.

In a tornado watch

During a real emergency, if Greene County is placed under a tornado watch, here’s what you should do:

  • Don’t panic. A tornado watch means that a tornado could form in or near the watch area. It does not mean that a tornado has formed.
  • Pay attention to the weather and review the university’s emergency action plan for severe weather and tornado procedures.
  • Make sure your mobile devices are charged should a storm knock out electricity.

In a tornado warning

If Greene County is placed under a tornado warning it means a tornado has been seen or indicated on weather radar. There is danger to life and property. You should:

  • Go to an identified campus storm shelter.
  • Move quickly and cooperate with those in charge.
  • If you are unsure of the shelter’s location, move to the lowest-level interior room. If you are in a residence hall, follow their severe weather guidelines.
  • If you cannot reach shelter, lie flat in a ditch or depression. Avoid areas subject to flooding.
  • Stay in the shelter until the warning is over. You will get a Missouri State Alert when the warning expires.

During a tornado warning, all classes and campus events are suspended. Campus shuttles will stop operating, and drivers will direct passengers to take shelter in the nearest building.