RyersonSafe: Get the information you need in an urgent situation on campus

We are pleased to announce the launch of RyersonSafe, a new tool for mass notification that will send alerts in urgent situations that pose an immediate safety or security risk to the community.

Alerts will be broadcast over six different channels: 

• RyersonSafe mobile app to those who download the app to their device.
• Text alerts to those who subscribe on their mobile phone.
• Email alerts to all current Ryerson students, faculty and staff.
• Website banner alerts on ryerson.ca and the my.ryerson.ca portal.
• Twitter alerts to @RyersonU (external link)  followers.
• Digital signage (TV screens on campus) to be used in the most urgent situations.

Why is this needed?

In an urgent situation on campus, we want to increase the likelihood that you receive the latest information about what is happening as soon as possible. This way, you can make informed decisions that prioritize your personal safety.

These kinds of systems are becoming common in Canadian colleges and universities, and are part of the university’s commitment to proactively plan for rare but possible urgent situations.

When will RyersonSafe be used?

RyersonSafe will be used in active and urgent situations that require your immediate attention because they have the potential to:

• result in serious harm to people;
• cause substantial damage to property; and/or 
• disrupt the usual activities of the university.

RyersonSafe will broadcast information in situations like:

• campus closures due to severe weather;
• building evacuations because of infrastructure- or security-related issues; and/or
• the rare case of an active threat situation and the call to Get out. Hide. Fight.

Stay tuned for an alert during the system-wide test on November 27

A system-wide test will take place next week. All students, faculty and staff can expect to receive the test alert by email. However, we strongly encourage you to sign up for the RyersonSafe mobile app and text alerts before this date. 

By participating in tests through the app and text, you will get a preview of how alerts will display prior to the system launch. Learn about what to expect during the test.

Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Time: Between 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Add this time to your calendar so you are reminded of the test (external link) . 

Sign up to receive RyersonSafe alerts directly to your device

By downloading both the RyersonSafe mobile app and signing up for text alerts, you can increase the likelihood of getting information as soon as possible in an urgent situation. While alerts will broadcast to all six channels, the fastest way to get the information you need is through both the app and text.

If you have digital signage in your space 

If your department has screens that are connected to the campus signage tool and run Windows 10, please be aware that your scheduled content may be replaced during the test period with RyersonSafe alerts. You may want to keep this in mind for any meetings and events you have scheduled during the November 27 testing period.

If you have a screen that is not configured using the campus signage tool, it will not display urgent alerts. If you are interested in connecting to the campus signage system, please complete the  (google form) Digital signage on the Ryerson campus form (external link) . Computing and Communications Services will contact you directly to arrange an assessment.

Questions?

If you have any questions about RyersonSafe, please contact Lindsay Canning, Community Safety and Security, at lindsay.canning@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5000, ext. 3076.

For general questions about Community Safety and Security, please email security@torontomu.ca or call 416-979-5040.