The University of Illinois has a new provider for its emergency text-messaging system.

For students, faculty or staff who are already registered, that registration has been switched to the new provider, MyStateUSA AlertSense.

However, the UI is asking those who have previously registered to visit the Web site, http://emergency.illinois.edu, and verify their information.

In addition to verifying their address, at the site, people can add up to two more contacts, such as e-mail addresses or cell-phone numbers. For example, an alert could be sent to a parent or spouse.

"If you haven't signed up, this would be a great opportunity to do so," said Todd Short, director of emergency planning at the university.

About 25,000 people have signed up so far, up from about 16,000 a year ago.

"This is going to be used for emergency systems, for a significant life-safety threat," Short said.

The university would use the system to alert people when, for example, a shooter is reported to be on campus.

The new system is called Illini-Alert.

On Feb. 17, a test message will be sent to everyone signed up on the system, as well as to those who hold an e-mail address ending in "<@>illinois.edu."

The switch to the new provider happened at 4:30 a.m. Sunday.

The previous provider was Mutare, which provided the services for free.

The new contract with MyStateUSA will cost the university $65,000, plus $3,700 a year through 2013, when the new contract is expected to end.