Wake Forest’s approach to communicating in emergencies is based on redundancy, using numerous methods at Wake Forest to promptly communicate with faculty, staff and students, as well as parents, the public and news media.
Wake Alert, the University’s emergency notification program, can provide information and advisories potentially through a number of communication channels, including the Wake Alert website, text messaging, e-mail, phone message (mobile), Twitter, Facebook, and indoor and outdoor warning systems. They also will be shared through the Wake Safe app.
Alerts may also be posted as an emergency banner at the top of University website pages, shared on all computers connected to WFU internet and on University television screens campuswide. The University may also activate outdoor and indoor audio alert systems.
Methods for announcing emergency alerts include:
Wake Alert
The University’s Wake Alert website (wakealert.wfu.edu) is the primary source of information on emergencies. It is capable of reaching the immediate campus community, as well as parents, alumni, the general public and the news media. A banner across the University homepage will provide a link to the Wake Alert website in emergencies and in some other situations, including weather-related closings and delays.
Wake Alert is also used, occasionally, for non-emergency messages that may be related to safety and security matters, including criminal activity, potentially threatening weather and University closings and delays due to weather conditions.
Text Messaging
The University will send brief Wake Alert messages to the cell phones of students, faculty and staff registered to receive text messages. Undergraduates must register for the messages by providing their cell phone numbers when they register for classes each fall. Faculty and staff, as well as graduate and professional school students, are encouraged to register.
The University will send a Wake Alert message to Wake Forest e-mail addresses of students, staff and faculty.
Voicemail
The University will send voice messages to the cell phones of students, faculty and staff registered to receive messages. Undergraduates must register for the messages by providing their cell phone numbers when they register for classes each fall. Faculty and staff, as well as graduate and professional school students, are encouraged to register.
Wake Alert website announcements will appear on Twitter: twitter.com/WakeAlert/
Wake Alert announcements will appear on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WakeAlert/
Wake Safe app
The University Police maintain the Wake Safe app with a number of safety features. Anyone interested in receiving Wake Alert messages can download the app and turn on notifications.
Indoor warning system
Some administrative and academic buildings are equipped with indoor alert systems that announce messages.
Outdoor warning system
A Wake Alert message can be broadcast outdoors using speakers that activate a siren and announce a brief prerecorded or live message. Emergency messages announced by the outdoor system will be preceded by a siren. The system also makes all clear announcements at the conclusion of an incident.
Text Alerts
Sign up for emergency text alerts
Alert Methods
Emergency alert methods used at Wake Forest
Emergencies
Emergency situations and how to respond