September is National Preparedness Month.

With the academic year now underway, here are some University resources that can help prepare members of the campus community for the unexpected and stay safe.

1. Sign-up for UD Alert:

UD’s primary emergency notification tool allows officials to send emergency messages within minutes. UD Alert is activated only during major emergencies or situations where there is an imminent danger to the safety and welfare of students, faculty, and staff.

Notices are typically sent via text messages (to cell phones) and email, and all students, faculty and staff are encouraged to opt-in to the UD Alert system. For more information and to sign-up, visit the UD Alert FAQ page.

2. Download the Live Safe App:

The University also maintains a free smartphone app that enhances emergency communications, while helping users prevent crime and better respond to incidents. The Live Safe app permits UDPD to send broadcast message via email, text and smartphone alerts. In addition to the alert feature, Live Safe also allows users to:

• Connect with campus police: Share information and safety concerns with police via text, with picture, video and audio attachments, and the option to stay anonymous. You can even start a live chat.
• Let your friends help keep you safe: Use peer-to-peer location tracking with group chat so friends can monitor and talk to you as you move.
• Have fast access to info: Have a faster way to access emergency help, telephone numbers and important safety information and resources.
• Use a safety map: See where the latest campus incidents have occurred and nearby safety locations.

The Live Safe app helps supplement UD Alert messaging, is free, and can be downloaded in the iTunes or Google Play store.

3. Be #WeatherAware:

Being #WeatherAware means always understanding what the weather is like outside and how that weather can impact you. When severe weather is in the forecast, keep an eye on the latest information from the National Weather Service and follow along on Twitter at #dewx and @NWS_MountHolly.

4. Make a Plan:Make sure to make a contingency plan for things like outdoor events or activities and be sure to identify the nearest shelter areas in case of severe weather. In general, severe weather shelter areas will be on the lowest level of the closest building, away from windows and exterior walls.

REMEMBER: When thunder roars, go indoors.

5. Subscribe to UDaily Newsletters:

The University provides timely information and updates through the Office of Communications and Marketing’s UDaily newsletters. In addition to UD Alert and Live Safe, the University utilizes UDaily as a tool to distribute things like crime updates, weather delays and other emergency related information.

Staff and students are encouraged to subscribe to the UDaily news service here.

6. Learn what safety resources are available on campus:

The University maintains a central website where everything safety related is located - www.udel.edu/safety. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back for updates and additional resources throughout the year. Also, feel free to reach out to the Campus and Public Safety team with any questions or for additional preparedness resources.