City Employee Notification System (CENS)

OEM has migrated to a new system for the CENS.

Important for New System:

• If you have previously registered for the CENS, your contact information is NOT moved over to the new system.
• Registration for the CENS is now automatic based on Workday data.
• Employee contact information is pulled from Workday into the CENS. Employees must add or update their cell phone numbers into Workday to receive text and voice notifications through the CENS. Instructions for this are below under "2. How do I add or update my phone number(s) in Workday?".
• Personal cell phone numbers are not required. However, we highly recommend that you include your personal phone number so you can receive emergency, time-sensitive notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to register?

All City of Dallas employees are automatically registered for the CENS. Contact information from Workday is automatically added to the CENS. Employees must ensure that phone numbers are added/updated in Workday for inclusion in the CENS.

2. How do I add or update my phone number(s) in Workday?

To add / update your phone numbers in Workday, please login to Workday:

1. Click the person icon at the top right of your screen.

2. Click “View Profile”.

3. Click "Contact" from the tab on the left side of the screen.

4. Click "Edit".

- Under "Home Contact Information".

1. Add a "Primary Phone".

- This should be your personal cell phone number.

- Including your personal cell number is optional, however, it is highly recommended.

- Under "Work Contact Information"

1. Add a "Primary Phone".

- This should be your city-issued cell phone number.

3. Is my personal contact information subject to open records request?

The Public Information Act allows employees, public officials, and former employees to elect whether to keep certain information about them confidential. All employees should have completed a “Public Access Option Form” during the new employee onboarding process. (AD 3-78 Exhibit A- Public Access Option Form) Prior to inclusion in the CENS message system, employees are encouraged to inquire with Human Resources to check the status of their “Public Access Option Form,” and to ensure that their preference regarding public access to information is current.

4. Who is the CENS coordinator for my department?

The CENS Coordinator is a staff member in a department who is designated to develop emergency messages and activate department specific notifications. If your department needs to designate a new coordinator, please email OEMDepartment@dallas.gov.

5. Who will send notifications to me?

Notifications may be sent by the Office of Emergency Management for significant events that impact multiple departments or other emergencies as directed by city officials. Department Coordinators can also send notifications to personnel within their department after attending the required training courses. Unforeseeable circumstances and the dynamic nature of some emergencies make it impossible for the City of Dallas to guarantee that all employees will receive notification of every emergency.

6. How much does it cost?

Participation in the CENS is free; however, standard message and data rates may apply.