This article details what your end users should expect when receiving an SMS message from the system and the difference between Emergency and Non-Emergency SMS messages.
Non-Emergency SMS messages
To send non-emergency SMS messages, you need to register for a dedicated 10-digit phone number. (you'll need some information about your Organization in order to complete registration). The numbers that's assigned will be used to deliver all your non-emergency messages once the registration process is complete. Organizations can choose the area code for the phone number, but not the rest of the digits. It's important to note that all recipients of these non-emergency messages MUST opt-in to receive these type of alerts. It is each organizations responsibility to manage this opt-in process and to maintain records.
Emergency SMS messages
Emergency SMS messages are sent from the number 588-43 and will have the word 'Critical' automatically added to the beginning of the message. It is important to note that organizations have the ability to send emergency messages to recipients, even if they have not opted in to receive alerts.
Toggling between Emergency vs Non-Emergency SMS messages
When creating a new notification, select the SMS method of sending. You will then see a radio button where you can choose between sending an emergency message or a non-emergency message. The default option is to send an emergency message.
To send a Non-Emergency Message, simply switch off the radio button by clicking on it to the left. Ensure that no green is showing. Please be aware that if you haven't set up Non-Emergency SMS messaging, you won't be able to switch off this button and an error message will appear.
