Our KU Medical Center campuses use a comprehensive array of crisis-response tools to effectively communicate during an emergency. The BeAlert Emergency Notification System enables the university to quickly notify our campuses of critical information during significant emergencies or dangerous situations involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students, faculty and staff on campus.

How does BeAlert work?

The emergency notification system will only be used for two reasons. The first is in an emergency. The second is for periodic system testing. Once each semester, a test message will be transmitted via BeAlert. Tests will be announced in advance.

BeAlert uses multiple means of contacting students, faculty and staff, including:

• SMS text message
• Email
• Computer pop-ups (Kansas City Only)
• Warning Beacons (Kansas City Only)
• Rave Guardian Mobile App (KUMC login required) 

Why are BeAlert messages important?

As part of the Clery Act, all students, faculty and staff are required to receive emergency emails with BeAlert. In emergency situations, the university sends rapid notifications to students, faculty and staff for incidents that occur within the University’s Clery geography. Learn more about the Clery Act.

For more information, review our BeAlert system Frequently Asked Questions.

Alertus

At the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) campus, maintaining the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors is a top priority. To ensure effective communication during emergencies, KUMC utilizes the Alertus System, a cutting-edge emergency notification system designed to deliver crucial information swiftly and broadly across the campus.

Alertus Beacons

Alertus Beacons are strategically placed throughout the Kansas City campus in high-traffic and common areas. These beacons serve as powerful visual and auditory alert devices, ensuring that anyone nearby receives immediate notification of potentially hazardous situations. When activated, the beacons emit bright flashes and loud sounds, grabbing the attention of individuals and directing them to act according to the instructions relayed. This can be especially crucial in situations where individuals may not have direct access to digital communication devices, ensuring that everyone is aware of the incident.

Alertus Desktop Notifications

In addition to the physical beacons, the Alertus Desktop feature is installed on Kansas City campus computers, providing an additional layer of alert dissemination. When an emergency arises, alerts are directly transmitted to computer screens, interrupting active tasks to deliver urgent messages. These notifications outline the nature of the emergency, provide guidance on protective actions, and offer regular updates as the situation evolves. This system is particularly effective in reaching staff, students, and faculty who are engaged in work on campus computers, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Integrated Approach to Campus Safety

By utilizing both Alertus Beacons and Desktop Alerts, KUMC has adopted an integrated approach to campus safety, combining visual, auditory, and digital communication methods. This multi-channel system ensures immediate awareness and clarity during emergencies, enabling swift, informed decision-making to protect lives and enhance security throughout the campus.

The combination of these tools helps KUMC maintain a secure environment, reducing response times and minimizing chaos during critical moments. The commitment to rapid, clear communication reflects KUMC's dedication to the safety and well-being of its community. In emergencies, every moment counts—thanks to the Alertus System, KUMC is prepared to act effectively and efficiently.

Email

The university sends students, faculty and staff at KU Medical Center emails with "Critical Information" in the subject line.

The Critical Information emails do several things:

• Advise the KU Medical Center community of current or imminent situations that may require action, create an inconvenience or require increased vigilance for non-violent crime.
• Follow up on BeAlert messages, providing additional detailed information.