University Times

Sign up now for Pitt’s new emergency notification system. Visit pi.tt/alerts and add or update your contact information.

The University recently debuted its upgraded emergency notification system (ENS), which sends alerts to mobile phones and emails even faster than before. The new system will help to ensure that students, staff and faculty receive critical information and know what’s going on as soon as possible during emergencies on campus.

Tests on the upgraded ENS  by the Computing Services and Systems Development team have shown that 11,000 email alerts were sent in less than one minute, with most people receiving alerts in about 30 seconds.

“Mobile devices have become a ubiquitous and essential technology that so many of us use every day,” said Jinx Walton, the University’s chief information officer. “We’re pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Public Safety in finding new ways to leverage this technology to enhance safety measures.”

All Pitt email accounts are included in the new ENS system by default, and subscribers’ information from the legacy system has also been automatically transferred. However, officials say these subscribers can update their information anytime by using the methods outlined below.

Subscribers also can opt to enter up to three phone numbers to receive voice and/or text alerts. In addition, the system provides the capability to simultaneously distribute emergency alerts via Twitter and Facebook, as Pitt Public Safety deems appropriate.

Mobile App Integration

The upgraded ENS also includes a connection to the mobile app Rave Guardian, which students, faculty and staff have the option of downloading in the Apple App, Google Play and Pitt App stores.

Calling the Pitt Police through the Guardian app allows the police dispatcher to view the caller’s profile, set up in advance by the user after registering a Pitt email address. This can be particularly helpful if the caller is unable to speak. Students, faculty and staff may also now submit tips — anonymously, if preferred — to the Pitt Police through the Send a Tip chat feature of the Guardian app. Tips can even include photo attachments.

Another feature allows app users to set a safety timer whenever they are alone or are in an unfamiliar place. Users can use the safety timers to allow their friends to check their status, with the minimum amount of time set to five minutes. If the user does not deactivate the safety timer before it expires, the app automatically alerts those who have accepted the invitation to view the timer.

“We can never overcommunicate when it comes to campus safety, and we encourage everyone in the University community to take advantage of these new tools,” said Ted Fritz, Pitt’s associate vice chancellor of public safety and emergency management.

How to Sign Up for the New Emergency Alerts System

Via My Pitt:

1. Log in to your my.pitt.edu page.
2. Click on Emergency Notification under My Resources or type ENS into the Ask Cathy! search bar.
3. Follow instructions to add or update your contact information.

Direct link:

1. Visit pi.tt/alerts.
2. Add or update your contact information.