What to know for the upcoming test of the UF Alert system
The University of Florida will conduct on Tuesday the annual test of its emergency notification system, which is designed to provide information to the campus community mostly through text messages and emails.
The UF Alert Emergency Notification System is a mass communication system required by federal law for institutions of higher education to disseminate accurate, timely, and transparent information about emergency situations, as well as crimes on or near campus.
“Safety and security are our top priority, and the UF Alert system being tested on Tuesday is a vital tool in place to keep our community informed and prepared during campus emergencies,” said Kenneth Allen, UF’s director of Emergency Management.
“The test serves as a reminder for students, faculty, and staff to confirm their contact information and location preferences in the system, as well,” Allen added. “We encourage everyone to take a moment to review that they are receiving the necessary notifications to stay connected and take an active role in their personal safety.”
On Monday, the university will issue an email reminder to the campus community about the upcoming test to avoid raising alarm. Additionally, the social media accounts of each participating campus will share reminders leading up to the test.
Three different mass communication messages are issued through the UF Alert Emergency Notification System:
- Emergency Notifications are issued in the event of a significant emergency or dangerous situation occurring on campus that involves an immediate threat to the health or safety of students, faculty, and staff. These notifications are branded as “UF Alert” and involve multiple forms of delivery, including text messages, GatorSafe app push notifications, UF Alert and UF Public Safety social media posts, email, VOIP phone messages, and an alert message on the UF homepage.
- A Timely Warning will be issued when an incident presents a serious or continuing threat to students, faculty, and staff that was reported to a Campus Security Authority or the University of Florida Police Department. These messages are issued through email, GatorSafe app push notifications, and social media. A Timely Warning offers more information than a UF Alert and does not require follow-up messages. The warnings provide detailed information about the crime with the goal of preventing similar offenses in the future.
- A Campus Safety Message may be sent to alert the community of ongoing issues, provide follow-up information on a recent incident, or request assistance. The information shared through this type of message does not meet the criteria of a Timely Warning or UF Alert, and is issued through email, GatorSafe app push notifications, and social media.
“These messages are important for two reasons: They keep our community aware of emergency situations that could impact their health and safety, and they provide instructions and information on how to keep yourself and others safe,” said Rebecca DeCesare, Ph.D., assistant director of compliance and ethics and UF’s Clery Compliance officer.
To see alerts for specific campus locations and information on how to receive UF Alert information, please visit https://ufalert.ufl.edu/.
For more information about the Clery Act and the university’s commitment to keeping the campus community informed and safe during times of emergencies, please visit https://clery.compliance.ufl.edu/.