Email is "Not Perfect for Emergencies”

The University of Iowa went on alert Monday after receiving two anonymous emails claiming that four pipe bombs had been left on the campus.  University officials sprang into action, according to KMA radio.  The bomb squad was put on stand-by.  Facilities and maintenance personnel searched for suspicious items.  And, 45,000 emails were quickly sent to warn people affiliated with the institution.

If only the email system had been in such a hurry.  It took 1-1/2 to 2 hours to deliver the messages, U. of I. spokesman Steve Parrott said Tuesday to the Iowa City Press-Citizen. 

“It’s not perfect for emergencies,” Parrott said.