FamilyFirst Frequently Asked Questions:

We would like to share some of the questions that have been submitted to FamilyFirst Alerts. We value your feedback. If there are additional questions we may answer for you, please visit our Contact Us page.

General Questions
  • What is FamilyFirst Alerts?
  • Can't the schools use email for this sort of thing?
  • We're not very technically aware & think this will be too difficult?
  • I've heard this service is expensive and only large media companies can afford it?
  • What are the benefits to using text messaging for notifying parents?

    • School Administrator / Teacher Questions
  • What makes your service so different?
  • How do we install your hardware or do we have to upgrade software?
  • How can I find funding to implement FamilyFirst Alerts in my district?
  • How do I get the community involved?
  • How can I send a message if my school has no electricity?
  • Can I contact my faculty/staff and not parents?
  • Can I use FamilyFirst Alerts from any computer?
  • What if a parent does not have a cell phone?

    • Parent / Community Questions
  • How do I participate?
  • How much does this cost me, the parent?
  • How do I know if my phone can receive text messages?
  • What type of notices will I receive?
  • What if I signed up for Alerts but my school does not offer this service to the community?
  • Is this a Spam Service? (SPIM)
  • Do I have to have a cell phone to receive a mobile alert?
  • Do you have any information on emergency preparedness plans?

    • What is FamilyFirst Alerts?
    FamilyFirst Alerts is a free service to alert parents, via text messaging, of emergencies and non-emergencies at the schools they designate. School administrators can now broadcast their announcements to their communities & parents through this inexpensive service.

    Can't the schools use email for this sort of thing?
    E-mail is fine if we had confidence every parent is sitting at their desk all day waiting for notifications. The fact remains that we are a mobile society. In many cases the mobile phone has become the primary means of contact. Additionally, FamilyFirst Alerts can send an email to the participant opted in. So why not have both?

    We're not very technically aware & think this will be too difficult?
    FamilyFirst Alerts has been designed with the user in mind. It is a web-based application, so no software needs to be installed. If you're familiar with basic web browsing you can sign up for FamilyFirst Alerts!

    I've heard this service is expensive and only large media companies can afford it?
    Until FamilyFirst Alerts that was very true. FamilyFirst Alerts is its own gateway and was designed to be accessible by all. There are no third party carrier contracts or costs of any kind. Normal usage/data charges may apply from your carrier. FamilyFirst Alerts is a free service. While we hope the system never has to be used, there are close to 16,000 crimes committed on school campuses every single day. For a FREE quote on what FamilyFirst Alerts will cost your school/district, visit our Registration page and "Request a Quote".

    What are the benefits to using text messaging for notifying parents?
    Unlike landline communication, text messages can be sent instantly and to multiple recipients. Thousands of people can receive your text message in real-time. We are a mobile society and a text message will send parents pertinent information regarding their child, wherever they are without the thought of a busy signal.

    What makes your service so different?
    Situations may arise at schools that require immediate, reliable and coordinated communication for parents, staff and the community. FamilyFirst Alerts is the solution. Time critical information is sent, which in turn allows administrators more time to attend to additional concerns. FamilyFirst Alerts is an invaluable communication tool that gives piece of mind to the community and an added level of insurance to any school administration.

    How do we install your hardware or do we have to upgrade software?
    There is no need for any of that! FamilyFirst Alerts is a web-based application. No software upgrades, hardware, additional phone lines...ever! Register for an account on our registration page. If you are a school administrator interested in participating in an online live "webinar" to see the value of FamilyFirst Alerts, please contact us. We will arrange a meeting with a FamilyFirst Alerts Representative.

    How can I find funding to implement FamilyFirst Alerts in my district?
    The staff at FamilyFirst Alerts is aware of the financial restraints schools have to deal with. Our Resource page has a link to assist you in locating "Funding for Schools". School districts interested in grant programs can find resources made available though the U.S. Department of Education. We have contact information to assist you in finding formula-based grant programs available to improve your elementary and secondary schools. Additionally, corporate sponsorship can reduce the cost of implementing FamilyFirst Alerts to enhance your schools communication needs.

    How do I get the community involved?
    Our support page has information for you to distribute information to the community. The FamilyFirst Alerts Staff can assist you with any additional information you may need to include a web opt-in for your school/district website. Parents can visit the website and opt-in or you can import a list of parent information that was collected at a school event. Example: Parent-Teacher conference.

    How can I send a message if my school has no electricity?
    Great question! FamilyFirst Alerts was developed with the ability to communicate during situations such as lost of electricity. A school administrator can initiate a template from his/her mobile device. The message will be simultaneously broadcasted to all parents and staff that are opted-in to your school. The message will spawn the alert as an SMS, voice and email alert.

    Can I contact my faculty/staff and not parents?
    Of course! FamilyFirst Alerts is an overall communication tool that allows any school administrator to create groups. The PTA, Faculty, Staff, Parents, Coaches, English Department are mere examples of how a school administrator can contact one or multiple groups in real-time.

    Can I use FamilyFirst Alerts from any computer?
    Yes! FamilyFirst Alerts is a web-based application so all you need is your User ID and Access Code.

    What if a parent does not have a cell phone?
    A parent can choose to receive an email and landline notification those parents that do not have a cell phone can enter that of a relative or family friend that agrees to become the emergency contact to receive text messages from your child's school.

    How do I participate?
    Visit the registration page and follow the 4-step sign in process. Choose the school and type of alerts you want to receive. It's that easy.

    How much does this cost me, the parent?
    FamilyFirst Alerts is a service provided for the community with the parent in mind. FamilyFirst Alerts is a FREE service. Normal usage / data charges may apply from your carrier.

    How do I know if my phone can receive text messages?
    Almost all phones are capable of receiving a text message. To demo your phone, visit our DEMO page and send yourself an SMS. If you do not receive a message within a minute, you may not have SMS service your will need to contact your carrier.

    What type of notices will I receive?
    FamilyFirst Alerts allows you to select the type of notification you want to receive. In most cases, you will receive notices in the event of a man-made or natural disaster, school evacuation and school closings. As the system evolves you may also receive notices on truancies and school programs in which your child participates. This is an opt-in service and you will have the ability to withdraw from the program anytime you wish or when your child changes schools.

    What if I signed up for Alerts but my school does not offer this service to the community?
    No worries! Visit our SUPPORT page where you will find templates available for you to contact your school or district to make them aware of your interest. FamilyFirst Alerts is a community-oriented alert service. Encouraging community leaders, PTA and parents to participate is the best way to enhance the emergency preparedness plan at your child's school. From parent feedback we have received, this is a service parents "absolutely love" and no school can afford to go without.

    Is this a Spam Service? (SPIM)
    FamilyFirst Alerts is an Anti-Spam (SPIM for mobile content) service. Contact information provided is for use of FamilyFirst Alerts only. FamilyFirst Alerts will not distribute or share personal information with any 3rd party. FamilyFirst Alerts is an "opt-in" service. A user always has the option to "opt-out" or "unsubscribe" at any time.

    Do I have to have a cell phone to receive a mobile alert?
    Not at all! FamilyFirst Alerts is compatible with a wide variety of mobile communication devices. PDA's and pagers are all compatible with our service.

    Do you have any information on emergency preparedness plans?
    FamilyFirst Alerts is a communication tool designed to help school administrators communicate with the staff, parents and the community. But in the event of an emergency, the FamilyFirst Alerts Resource Center is designed to assist you, the community, on other resources available to prepare yourself and your loved ones for an emergency. Visit the agencies listed for useful information incase of any emergency.