Florida State University is beefing up its Emergency Alert System.

Dave Bujak is the Emergency Management Coordinator at FSU and said, "During a time of emergency we want to get the word out as many ways, as fast and accurately as possible. We found that Facebook and Myspace students are more in tune to their e-mails and text messages."

Freshman Jessica Meisel checks her Facebook account everyday, she signed up for the new Alert System as soon as she heard about the addition.

Jessica Meisel said, "I think it's convenient. It's the best way. It's all right there for you."

Cleste Heilmen is a Freshman at FSU and said, "I think it's beneficial, just about everyone here uses Facebook or Myspace, and it will get the message there faster."

Bujak says the alerts are only sent if there is an immediate emergency situation, such as a shooting, a bomb threat, or severe weather.

Facebook and Myspace also allow students to join a discussion forum and obtain additional information on the emergency situation.

The university is also conducting its once-a-semester alarm test during Emergency Preparedness Week. This will happen sometime this week, but school officials are not saying when because they want to realistically test the system.

For a full description of all 26 communication methods, plus instructions on how to register for cell phone text messages, Facebook and Myspace messages visit the web site link below.