Emergency Communication 101

The University has established procedures to respond to campus emergencies. An important piece of that process is making sure that students, faculty, and staff are aware of situations that may be unsafe. Read on to learn more about getting information, and being prepared in a crisis.

Get the 411 

The University will always share the most up-to-date and reliable information possible during a campus emergency through a SAFE-U Alert – the University’s emergency mass notification system for incidents that occur within the University’s Clery Geography. Students, faculty, and staff will receive a SAFE-U Alert through email, text message, and phone, depending on their preferences. 

When you receive an alert, follow any instructions provided and call 911 if you have helpful information.

Other emergency notifications include:

• Dinkytown Alerts - A supplemental notification system, in partnership with the Minneapolis Police Department, to notify the campus community to take immediate action or avoid an area within Dinkytown.
• z.umn.edu/alerts - All Twin Cities campus SAFE-U and Dinkytown Alerts are archived on the Safety Notification page. 
• emergency.umn.edu - A website for timely information about the nature of an incident on the Twin Cities campus, how to remain safe, and, after the incident, the point at which safety has been restored.

Be ready

You can be ready for an emergency using simple steps from any device. 

• Check your SAFE-U and Dinkytown Alert preferences in MyU under My Info. A reminder that you can not opt out of email notifications. If you experience any technical difficulties, contact [email protected].
• Update your emergency contact in MyU under MyInfo in the event a friend or family member needs to be contacted on your behalf. While you’re there, update your other contact info like your address or current phone number.
• No shame if you’ve once muted or filtered messages from the University, but consider lifting that embargo as they’re the best way to receive relevant University information.
• Review these resources to learn more about preparing for campus emergencies. 
  • Video: Interpreting emergency messages
  • Emergency Preparedness resource
  • Active shooter response
  • Emergency Preparedness training

Leading the charge

Together with our robust emergency response plan, these units are ready in a moment's notice to prevent disasters and respond to a crisis.

• Department of Emergency Management - DEM develops our emergency response plans, training resources, and manages various notification services.
• Department of Public Safety - DPS is home to the University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD), Public Safety Emergency Communications Center (PSECC), and University Security. They are all things campus safety, from patrol officers and 911 dispatch to K9 dogs and criminal analysis.
• Health Emergency Response Office - HERO oversees the plans and processes regarding health emergencies. They also work with community organizations as a source of knowledge and support in the event of a broader health crisis.