Top reasons you should download the RyersonSafe app today
Download the RyersonSafe mobile app to stay updated on the latest information concerning weather-related campus closures or urgent situations. Photo credit: Nikita Ovsyannikov.
Want to make sure you’re always in-the-know on important safety and security-related matters involving Ryerson University?
Introducing RyersonSafe, a mass notification tool which launched in November 2019.
The new tool, which includes the RyersonSafe mobile app for Android and iOS devices, helps ensure Ryerson students, faculty and staff are alerted as soon as possible about urgent incidents on campus, such as a closure due to severe weather or one that requires you to evacuate a building as soon as possible.
“In an urgent situation on campus, we want to increase the likelihood that you receive the latest information about what is happening through multiple channels including directly to your phone. This way, you can make informed decisions that prioritize your personal safety,” said Denise Campbell, executive director, community safety and security.
Those who have downloaded the RyersonSafe mobile app or who have subscribed to receive alerts via text message will receive immediate communication in a situation which could disrupt the usual activities of the university, cause substantial damage to property, or possibly result in serious harm to members of the community.
The key to the success of RyersonSafe, however, is ensuring people use it. As of January 28, 2020, approximately 2,300 community members have downloaded the mobile app and 1,200 have subscribed to text messages.
“It’s a priority for my team that we have as many community members as possible opting in to receive alerts on their phones so that information reaches them when it really matters. While we also send alerts via email, they are not instantaneous. Once an alert is issued, the system sends it to thousands of Ryerson email addresses which can take time. RyersonSafe will help us keep the Ryerson community informed and aware,” Campbell said, also encouraging anyone who hasn’t downloaded the app or subscribed to text message yet to do so.
Campbell says these kinds of systems are becoming common in post-secondary institutions across Canada, and are part of the university’s commitment to proactively plan for rare but possible urgent situations.
Weather-related closures
Closing the campus due to weather is based on a number of factors.
Users who download the RyersonSafe app or subscribe to receive alerts via text will receive information directly on their phones as soon as it becomes available, such as a campus closure due to weather.
Deborah Brown, vice-president, administration and operations, says making the decision to close the university due to weather is based on a number of factors, including current weather conditions, weather forecast, public transit status and the ability to maintain safe conditions on campus.
It’s ultimately a decision shared by the vice-president, administration and operations and the provost in collaboration with Facilities Management and Development.
Though it’s a rare occurrence, depending on the severity of the weather and conditions on campus, the university may close operations. In the event of a campus closure due to inclement weather, the university strives to communicate by 5:30 a.m. for full-day closures and by 10:30 a.m. for half-day closures. In some cases, certain classes and/or exams may be cancelled but the university could remain open.
Once a decision is made, students who have downloaded the RyersonSafe mobile app and subscribed to text message alerts will be the first to know what’s happening.
Here’s how it works:
Download the RyersonSafe mobile app for push notification alerts
The RyersonSafe mobile app is free to download on an Android or iOS device that can connect to a wireless network:
- Launch the Google Play app (Android) or App Store app (iOS).
- Search for “RyersonSafe.”
- Follow instructions to download and install the app to your device.
- Push notifications so alerts pop up on the device are strongly recommended.
Subscribe to receive alerts via text message.
Ryerson community members are also encouraged to subscribe to receive alerts via text message. To do so, text “Ryerson” to the number 723-389. Campbell advises students to save the number 723-389 in your contacts under “RyersonSafe” so you recognize the alert. Text messages are sent via the RyersonSafe vendor, AppArmor. Standard message and data rates may apply.
Evacuations, emergency situations
Beyond weather, RyersonSafe will also broadcast information in situations such as a building evacuation due to infrastructure or security-related issues, or the rare case of an active threat situation and the call to Get Out. Hide. Fight.
When an issue is resolved, an “all clear” notification will be sent.
While the RyersonSafe app and text message alerts are the fastest ways to stay-in-the-know, other ways to get important updates in an urgent situation include:
- Website banner alerts on ryerson.ca and the my.ryerson.ca portal
- Twitter alerts to @RyersonU (external link)
- Digital signage (TV screens on campus)
Email alerts are sent to current students, faculty and staff, though as Campbell noted, they are not instantaneous.
Find out more about RyersonSafe.
Related
