Emergency Preparedness and Response

The Emergency Notification System allows us to notify the campus community in the event of imminent danger, such as severe weather or other emergencies affecting the University of Dayton community. During an emergency, authorized personnel will activate the system, transmitting a notification and instructions for community members. Community members within the vicinity of campus may also be alerted to check for an emergency notification when they hear the emergency siren sounding.

How It Works

The Emergency Notification System will only be used for two reasons. The first is in the event of an emergency. The second is for periodic system testing. Once each semester, a test message will be transmitted via the mass notification system. Once per month, the emergency siren will be tested. Tests will be announced well in advance. Test messages sent through the mass notification system will be worded appropriately to ensure all recipients are aware the message is a test.

The Emergency Notification System uses multiple contact means for students, faculty and staff, including:

• SMS text message
• Email
• Cellular telephone numbers
• University telephone numbers
• Home telephone numbers

Enroll for Notifications

University-provided means of contact (UD email, University telephone extension, and University-owned cell phones) are automatically included in this system.

In addition, we encourage you to register your personal cell phone number to enhance notification ability. Students, faculty and staff can update their emergency contact information via the "My Account" feature in Porches. Watch this two-minute video for detailed instructions on updating your personal contact.

If you have any questions regarding the Emergency Notification System, please contact Melinda Warthman, Director of Clery and Safety Compliance.

Emergency warning sirens emit a continuous three-minute sound warning. Sirens are used to alert the public of an impending danger such as tornado, severe thunderstorm with high winds or large hail, or a safety threat. If you hear a siren, you should take cover inside away from glass doors and windows, and check for emergency messages via the emergency notification system.

The sirens do not sound for the entire duration of a tornado warning or other emergency. Do not assume that the danger has passed when sirens stop.

The University's emergency warning sirens, near Fitz Hall, are tested the first Monday of each month at 12:00 p.m. These tests last for approximately three minutes. If the emergency warning sirens sound during a typical test period for longer than three minutes, you should check for emergency messages via the emergency notification system.

Different types of notifications will be sent through the system depending on the situation. UD Public Safety takes all threats seriously and investigates them thoroughly with the cooperation of outside agencies as necessary. The following are examples of some notification scenarios: 

Verbal or Written Threat

A verbal or written threat does not mean a threat is imminent but does mean that you should stay vigilant and report any concerning information or activity directly to UD Public Safety. An emergency communication may be issued, depending on UD Public Safety's assessment.

• Example message: "UD Public Safety has received information regarding a threat and it is being investigated. Stay alert and report anything suspicious to Public Safety immediately. 937-229-2121."

Confirmed Direct Threat

A confirmed direct threat means a threat to campus with potential to result in loss of life, significant property damage or disruption of campus activities is imminent. An emergency communication will be sent with specific instructions regarding sheltering in place, evacuation, or staying clear of certain areas of campus.

• Example message #1: "Widespread flooding on campus in the South Student Neighborhood. Rescue crews are responding. Do not try to walk or drive through flooded areas. Shelter in place in other areas of campus. Updates to come."
• Example message #2: "UD Public Safety is responding to a civil disturbance outside KU near Miriam Hall. Evacuate KU using lower level exits only. KU is closed. Remainder of campus shelter in place."

Confirmed Active Aggressor

If armed person(s) are on campus inflicting injuries, an emergency notification will be sent with appropriate information and instructions at that time. Certain situations will require the individual receiving the emergency notification to determine their own best immediate option, e.g., escape (RUN) if safe to do so, but circumstances may require occupants to find a safe place to HIDE and/or FIGHT. This is the recommended response to active violence that law enforcement has found can save lives. Watch a Run, Hide, Fight training video from the FBI.

• Example message: "ACTIVE SHOOTER near the RecPlex. Lock doors & shelter in place if you are away from the area. If you are in the area of imminent danger: Run, Hide, Fight."

Incident Concludes/All Clear

When a direct threat has been mitigated, the investigation has determined a lack of credibility and/or law enforcement does not believe there is a threat to the community, a communication will be sent to update the status of the situation.

• Example message #1: “Flooding on campus has subsided, you can resume normal activities.”
• Example message #2: “Public Safety has given the all clear for KU and KU plaza. The main lobby remains closed, the rest of the building is open. Shelter in place is lifted.”