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University of Florida

Annual UF Alert test scheduled for Nov. 14


The University of Florida will conduct on Friday, Nov. 14 a test of the UF Alert system, which is used to provide information to the campus community during emergency situations. 

This annual test serves as an opportunity for the UF community to verify that they receive UF Alert messages. 

During the test, individuals can expect to receive the notifications via text, email, and through the GatorSafe app. In Gainesville and Lake Nona, the test will also be broadcast through speakers in classrooms and those mounted on select Blue Light Phones around campus. The timing of each location’s test notification is:

  • Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology: 8:30 to 8:40 a.m.
  • UF Health Shands Hospital: 9 to 9:10 a.m.
  • UF Gainesville: 10:25 to 10:35 a.m.
  • UF Health Jacksonville: 11 to 11:10 a.m. 
  • Lake Nona Research and Academic Center: 12 to 1 p.m. 

Prior to the test, students, faculty, and staff should sign up or review their contact information for UF Alerts at one.ufl.edu. For instructions on how to join UF Alert, visit ufalert.ufl.edu/join. Individuals can also select the campus for which they wish to receive UF Alert messages. Additionally, to receive a push notification of UF Alerts download the GatorSafe app, the official safety and security app for the university is recommended. 

What is UF Alert?

A UF Alert is a mass communication system required by federal law for institutions of higher education to provide relevant information regarding incidents affecting the university community. The UF Alert program is coordinated by the University of Florida Department of Emergency Management, in cooperation with the University of Florida Police Department, Clery Compliance program, UFIT, Strategic Communications and Marketing, and other stakeholders. 

Through this system, the university can send three types of messages: Emergency Notifications, Timely Warnings, and Campus Safety Messages. For more information on the UF Alert system, visit ufalert.ufl.edu.

Message Types
  • Emergency Notifications indicate an emergency or dangerous situation that could immediately threaten the health and safety of the university community. 

    Emergency notifications are issued through SMS/text messages, GatorSafe app push notifications, UF Alert and UF Public Safety social media posts, email, VOIP phone messages, and as a banner on the UF homepage. These notifications may also be broadcast through speakers in classrooms, and outdoor speakers mounted to select buildings and Blue Light Phones. 

    These messages are generally short and can include multiple messages sent within a span of time, providing additional information about the situation and a call to action for recipients.

  • A Timely Warning is sent for a past crime that is considered a serious or continuing threat to the university community. The locations and categories that would prompt a timely warning are defined by the Clery Act, a federal transparency law. 

    Timely Warnings are sent through email, GatorSafe app push notification, UF Alert and UF Public Safety social media posts, and as a banner on the UF homepage. 

    These messages tend to be longer and more detailed than emergency notifications and do not require follow-up messages. The warnings provide detailed information about the crime, with the aim of preventing similar offenses in the future.

  • Campus Safety Messages are the third and latest mechanism used to share information with the campus community regarding safety and security issues that do not rise to the level of a Timely Warning or Emergency Notification required under federal law.

 

What to do When You Receive a UF Alert

After receiving a UF Alert, read the message in full and follow any instructions provided. Emergency Notifications may specify actions to take immediately, like moving away from windows during a tornado warning or avoiding the area of a crime. Timely Warnings and Campus Safety Messages may also provide instructions to help reduce your vulnerability to crime, like ensuring your car doors are locked.

Official information for the university will be sent via UF Alerts. After an incident has concluded or if it is longer in nature, such as a hurricane, you may be directed to find additional updates on the main UF website at ufl.edu. 

For more information, visit clery.compliance.ufl.edu.