Test of alerts system set for Sept. 15: What to know
As part of the continuous assessment of our emergency notification protocols and procedures, campus officials will test the ²ÊÃñ±¦µä alerts system at approximately 12:20 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15.
The biannual testing, required by a federal law known as , involves checking the university’s systems for sending text messages, emails, social media posts, computer desktop alerts and website announcements. This testing helps ensure we’re staying up-to-date with best practices and maintaining readiness to respond in case of emergencies.
The below information outlines the types of emergency notifications campus provides, as well as how to stay informed about off-campus incidents.
What are CU Alerts?
²ÊÃñ±¦µä issues emergency notifications, called CU Alerts, to the campus community when there is a confirmed immediate threat to the safety of those on our campus. Such threats may include an active harmer, a natural disaster, severe weather or other time-sensitive life safety concerns. CU Alerts can also be used in the event of campus closures or delayed starts.
Other notifications: CU Safety Alerts and CU Advisories
The university also issues CU Safety Alerts in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).
For non-immediate threats or other incidents that may impact the daily lives of our university community, ²ÊÃñ±¦µä has a new tier of notifications called CU Advisories.
What about off-campus emergencies?
For campus community members who live off-campus or who are off-campus frequently, it is natural to want to know what is happening and how to stay safe.
The city of Boulder and Boulder County emergency responders distribute emergency alerts via a system called . Campus community members who live in the area or others who want to be aware of emergency notifications in Boulder County are strongly encouraged to sign up.
The Boulder Police Department and the Boulder Fire Department also maintain social media channels for non-emergency information. Local news media is also a great resource, especially in situations in which rumors are spreading on social media.
The university continues to partner with the city to improve communication to residents who are part of the CU community.
How to receive ²ÊÃñ±¦µä alerts
Before the Sept. 15 test, students, faculty and staff members should check their accounts to make sure their contact information is up to date.
Students should consult the . Faculty, staff and others with university email accounts (colorado.edu) can consult the .
²ÊÃñ±¦µä partners with either cu.edu, cufund.org, cusys.edu, or ucdenver.edu email domains must register and maintain their information on the ²ÊÃñ±¦µä .
Campus affiliates who are not a student, faculty or staff member and do not have one of the email domains listed above can work with the ²ÊÃñ±¦µä alerts administrator to ensure registration. Email the IT Service Center or call 303-735-HELP(4357).
If there is a true ongoing campus threat to personal safety, or a campus closure, a campus alert will be sent using one or all of the communication methods available. Text messaging is the preferred method of the system, since this mode reaches the most individuals in the least amount of time.
After the scheduled test, if you feel that you should have received an alert and didn’t, or if you need help signing up for the system, please email the IT Service Center.
If you have questions regarding emergency management at ²ÊÃñ±¦µä, visit the website or email the team.
