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At HMS, we are always striving to improve the services we provide to our valued clients. In keeping with that commitment, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Emergency Text Messaging Service! This service is designed to ensure you receive important and timely updates during emergency situations. By opting into this service, you’ll stay informed and connected when it matters most. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about this exciting new service.
1. What is the HMS Emergency Text Messaging Service?
- In addition to complimentary eblasts, HMS now offers Emergency Text Messaging Service to streamline communication in urgent situations, ensuring owners are promptly notified in the manner they most prefer.
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Although this service is active for all Associations, each owner must activate their own phone number(s) to receive messages.
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Note that this service is for Emergencies Only. Items of a non-urgent matter should still be sent through the HMS Eblast system which is available to all communities.
2. How do I opt into the Emergency Text Messaging Service?
- The Association itself does not “opted in” to the service, as the service itself is already active.
- Owners can easily opt-in to text messages, for one or more phone number, through one of the following methods:
- The HMS Community Websites.
- The HMS Express App.
- A link provided in the HMS Text Message Introductory email being sent to all owners.
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To opt in: Please visit the HMS Community Website and navigate to the My Profile. Press the “Communication” tab. On the HMS Express App, visit the “Notifications” menu.
3. Is there a cost associated with the service?
- While the service has been activated for each Association already at no cost, each text message when sent will have a small cost of five cents per receiver.
- For example:
- If the association has 100 homes, and 50 owners have opted in, the association will be billed $2.50 for sending an emergency text (50 x .05 = $2.50).
- If the association has 100 homes and all 100 owners have opted into text messages, the association will be billed $5.00 (100 x .05 = $5.00).
- Note that the charge is technically based on the number of phone numbers. In the example above, if 100 owners had opted in but 10 selected 2 numbers to alert, there would be 110 messages, and the cost would be $5.50 (110 x .05 = $5.50)
4. Are there character limits for each message?
- Yes, each text message is limited to 80 characters.
- If your message exceeds this, it will be sent in parts, with each part billed as a separate text.
- To avoid multiple messages, you can direct recipients to their email for further information.
5. How can I recognize an Emergency Text Message?
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Messages will come from 1-888-926-7220.
- Each message will begin with the Association name and subject matter to ensure it is easily identifiable.
6. Can I opt-out of the Emergency Text Messaging Service?
- Absolutely! Owners can choose to opt out or block the service at any time.
7. Why is this service important?
- In the event of emergencies such as water shut-offs, or other urgent situations, this service provides a fast, direct way to inform and protect homeowners.
- The text service works in tandem with our email communication (Eblasts) to keep owners fully informed.
8. What does the Board need to do?
- There is nothing that needs to be done as a board to activate the text system, as it is already active for all Associations at no cost.
- As board members, your role is straightforward:
- If you would like to receive emergency text messages, simply opt-in as a homeowner.
- The board should also be aware of this service, and when an emergency arises, notify your manager if you wish to use text messaging for a specific communication.
- These steps ensures that the Board remains informed and ready to activate this valuable service whenever needed.
At HMS, your satisfaction is our top priorities. We believe that this new text messaging service will provide an essential tool for more effective communication during emergencies. We are excited to continue serving you with cutting-edge solutions that make a difference! This service is just one of many innovations HMS is rolling out now and into 2025, as part of our mission to continuously improve communication and enhance our services.
Stay tuned for even more exciting updates from HMS in the near future!
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