UK Alert FAQ
FAQS
What is UK Alert?
UK Alert is the university's emergency notification system intended to inform the campus community in the event of an emergency requiring you to act.
Messages are sent via phone call, text, email, SafeZone app push notification, digital signage, desk phones, blue emergency towers, building alarms and more.
Why should I sign up?
It is important to remain informed during a campus emergency to ensure your own safety and that of those around you. All students, faculty and staff will receive UK Alerts via email.
Students who provide a phone number in myUK automatically receive email, phone call and text alerts. Faculty and staff also have the option of receiving phone call and text alerts if they choose.
How do I sign up?
All members of the campus community with a UKY email address will automatically receive UK Alerts via email. Students who provide a phone number in myUK automatically receive phone call and text alerts.
Faculty and staff can opt-in to phone call and text alerts by downloading the SafeZone app and registering with a valid cell phone number.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes, the information that you put into the UK Alert system is private and will not be shared with any additional third parties.
When should I expect to receive notifications?
UK Alert will only notify you when there is a disruption to normal campus operations or an immediate threat to the health and safety of the campus community. This could include, but is not limited to: an explosion, bomb threat, fire, hazardous material release, hostage incident, active aggressor incident, structural failure, tornado warnings, campus closure or delayed opening, etc.
You will NOT receive campus event announcements, class reminders, advertisements or spam. You can also expect to receive two UK Alert tests a year.
How will I know when the call is from UK Alert?
- Phone calls will come from 859-306-0406
- Text messages will come from the number 59713
- E-mails will come from the address: SafeZone@uky.edu
Saving these numbers in your phone as “UK Alert” will ensure they are not flagged as spam.
What will UK Alert messages look like?
UK Alert messages will be short and to the point. A text message or e-mail may look like this:
UK ALERT: The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO WARNING for Lexington until (TIME). Seek shelter immediately. www.uky.edu/alert
What is the difference between a UK Alert notification and a campus crime bulletin?
UK Alert notifications will only be issued when immediate action is required by the recipient, such as the need to seek shelter immediately, or when there is a significant disruption to campus operations, such as a delay due to inclement weather.
Campus Crime Bulletins are issued when a crime has occurred that represents a threat or on-going danger to the safety of the campus community. The incident does not necessarily require immediate action, but the information contained in the Crime Bulletin is still deemed important and pressing. They are issued via email, posted online, distributed to local media and flyers are printed and distributed throughout campus.
Why do faculty and staff need to download this app in order to receive UK Alerts via text and phone call?
The UK Alert system is integrating with the SafeZone app. Faculty and staff will continue to automatically receive UK Alerts via email. However, to continue receiving UK Alerts via phone call and text, faculty and staff must download and register their phone numbers with SafeZone.
Do students need to download this app in order to receive UK Alerts via text and phone call?
No. Students who have provided their phone number in myUK will automatically receive UK Alert text messages and phone calls, in addition to email alerts.
How do I unsubscribe from UK Alerts via text and phone call?
To opt out of UK Alerts via text and phone call, students, faculty and staff must download the SafeZone app and delete their account data. You can do this by visiting the settings menu located in the upper left-hand corner of the app. You can also choose to block the numbers.
My phone number changed. What do I do?
It is critical to keep your contact details up to date, so that in the event of an emergency, your response team can easily identify and contact you. You can update your phone number by downloading the SafeZone app, logging in and visiting the menu icon in the top left of your screen.
How do I only receive UK Alerts via text?
If you'd like to only receive UK Alert via text, you can choose to block the cell phone number that UK Alert is sent from. This will not prevent you from receiving text alerts.
What if I don’t have a smart phone?
For those who do not have a smartphone or would rather not download the app but want to receive UK Alerts via text, please email CMP@uky.edu for assistance.
Do I need to keep the app downloaded to continue receiving UK Alerts?
No, once a user has registered with SafeZone with a valid cell phone number, that will ensure you receive text and phone call alerts regardless if you keep the app downloaded.
If you would like to opt out, you will need to enter the SafeZone app and delete your account using the menu in the upper left hand corner.