CondoGenie lets you send urgent messages directly to residents via **phone broadcast** (automated voice call) or **SMS text message** — no app required. These are ideal for time-sensitive situations like water shutoffs, fire alarm testing, or building emergencies. > **Note:** Phone broadcast and SMS features must be enabled on your account. If you don't see these options, contact CondoGenie support to confirm your plan includes them. ## Send an SMS text message 1. Go to **News** in the main navigation 2. Click **Add Announcement** 3. Click the **SMS / Text Message** tab 4. Type your message in the message field - Keep it concise — SMS messages have a character limit - Include the key information: what, where, when, what to do 5. Select the **Buildings** that should receive the message 6. Select the **User Groups** to notify 7. Click **Send** Residents receive the text message directly on their phone — no login required. ## Send a phone broadcast call 1. Go to **News** → **Add Announcement** 2. Click the **Phone Broadcast** tab 3. Type your message 4. Select the Buildings and User Groups to call 5. Click **Send** CondoGenie places an automated call to each resident's phone number on file. ## Tips for effective emergency messages - **Be specific:** "Water will be shut off on Floor 3 from 9am–2pm today" is better than "Water shutoff today" - **Include a contact:** "Call 403-555-0100 for more info" - **Send to the right groups:** Don't blast all buildings if it only affects one - **Follow up:** Once resolved, send a follow-up message confirming everything is back to normal ## Make sure residents have a phone number on file Residents who haven't entered a phone number won't receive calls or texts. Encourage residents to update their profile with a phone number. 1. Resident goes to their profile (click name, top right) 2. Adds or updates their **Phone number** 3. Clicks **Save** --- See also: [[Sending SMS Text Messages]] | [[Sending Phone Broadcast Calls]] | [[Edit a News Announcement]]