Warden Messages

Embassy SMS Blast Message System, February 18, 2009

The U.S. Embassy in Skopje, which provides routine and emergency services to American citizens in Macedonia and Kosovo, will launch an SMS blast system to better advise and inform the resident American citizen community in the event of an emergency. The embassy, in collaboration with its wireless provider T Mobile, plans to roll out this system over the next two months and will use it in an emergency situation to quickly disseminate warden messages or travel alerts. This system will complement the existing warden message system which will continue to operate.  SMS alert systems are already in use at other embassies around the world with great success.

All American citizens are encouraged to participate by submitting a valid cellular phone number to the consular section. You may email the telephone number, along with your name and address to SkopjeACSMailbox@state.gov  and the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit will enter your information.  Kindly send your response by March 1, 2009.

 If you have already registered with the embassy, and provided a cellular phone number, you will be automatically included in the rollout. The ACS unit encourages you to update your information with the embassy by re-registering or by sending an email to SkopjeACSMailbox@state.gov. Your information will be kept confidential per U.S. privacy laws, T Mobile or other agencies will not have access to it. Please forward this message to any American citizens you know who are not currently registered with the embassy and who may want to participate.

American citizens who participate in the SMS blast system will not incur any costs. The embassy will only use the system in the case of an emergency and has established an agreement with T Mobile which covers all the costs incurred. If you do not wish to participate, please send an email to the address above with your name and state that you wish to opt out of the system.

The Embassy takes this opportunity to extend its cordial regards to all American citizens and hopes that this system will prove of great benefit in the future.