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University of Florida

Annual UF Alert test scheduled for Nov. 9, 2026


The University of Florida will conduct a test of the UF Alert system, which is used to provide information to the campus community during emergency situations, on Monday, Nov. 9.   

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 broadcasted through Cisco VoIP telephones, classroom speakers and capable blue light phones. The timing of each location’s test notification is as follows:   

  • Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology: 8:15-8:30 a.m. 
  • UF Health Shands and Ocala Neighborhood hospitals: 9-9:10 a.m. 
  • UF Jacksonville: 9:20-9:30 a.m. 
  • UF campus in Gainesville: 10:25-10:35 a.m. 
  • UF Health Jacksonville: 11:30-11:45 a.m. 
  • UF Research and Academic Center – Lake Nona: 12:15-12:30 p.m.  

Prior to the test, students, faculty and staff should sign up or review their contact information for UF Alerts at one.uf.edu/. For instructions on how to join UF Alert, visit ufalert.ufl.edu/join/. Individuals can also select the campus 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 UF and allow notifications. 

What is UF Alert?  

UF Alert is a multimodal 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 UF Department of Emergency Management, in cooperation with the UF Police Department, Clery Compliance program, UF Information Technology, Strategic Communications and Marketing, and other stakeholders.   

Alerts for the UF Health Jacksonville, and Shands and Ocala Neighborhood hospitals are branded "UF Health Alerts" and are managed by UF Health.  

Message types  

Through the UF Alert system, the university can send three types of messages: emergency notifications, timely warnings and campus awareness messages. 

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, and as a banner on the UF homepage. These notifications may also be broadcasted through Cisco VoIP telephones, classroom speakers and capable blue light phones. These messages are generally brief and can include multiple messages sent within a short 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 — but not imminent — threat to the university community. The locations and criminal 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 notifications, 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 awareness messages are the latest mechanism used to share information with the campus community regarding safety and security issues that do not rise to the level of an emergency notification or timely warning as required under federal law.  

What to do when you receive a UF Alert 

After receiving a UF Alert, read the message and follow any instructions provided. Emergency notifications may specify actions to take immediately, such as moving away from windows during a tornado warning or avoiding the area of a crime.  

Timely warnings and campus awareness messages may also provide instructions to help reduce your vulnerability to crime, such as ensuring your car doors are locked.  

Official information for the university will be sent through the UF Alert system. In some instances, such as a hurricane, you may be directed to find additional updates at ufl.edu.  

What is GatorSafe 

GatorSafe is UF’s official safety and security app.  In addition to receiving push notifications from UF Alert, the GatorSafe app offers additional features such as: 

  • Trigger the Mobile Blue Light to simultaneously send your location and call UFPD 
  • Chat with a UFPD dispatcher 
  • View crime reports around the UF Campus 
  • Report a suspicious activity 
  • Report a crime tip to UFPD (even anonymously) with the ability to attach pictures and video 
  • Access to the Personal Safety Toolbox, which contains a flashlight, loud alarm, ability to send your location and more 
  • Transportation information on SNAP, RTS Buses, Uber, Gator Lift, Campus Cab by Uber and Campus Connector 
  • Helpful links to mental health resources 

For more information about federal and state compliance requirements for the UF Alert System, please visit the Clery Compliance program. For more information on the UF Alert system, visit ufalert.ufl.edu.