Emergency Notifications

Saint Louis University has long recognized the importance of communicating in times of crisis.  The ability to communicate quickly and effectively provides the best possible opportunity to safeguard the well-being of the campus community. 

SLU utilizes the RAVE Alert and RAVE Guardian emergency notification systems to deploy this critical information quickly. These systems are available to all faculty, staff, and students. Visitors and contractors can opt in to receive emergency alerts only.

Types of Notifications

SLU will communicate in a variety of ways depending on the type of emergency following the University's Emergency Notification Policy (PDF).  The three types of communication are SLU Alerts (text), timely warnings (email), and public safety advisories (email).  In every case, an evaluation of the circumstances will be conducted to determine if a SLU Alert, timely warning, or a public safety advisory is required and/or appropriate. Notifications will be issued and shall be continually updated until it has been determined that the threat is contained or ended. 

SLU Alert Emergency Notification

The Saint Louis University Department of Public Safety will immediately notify the campus community upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation on campus involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of the campus community. If a serious crime, natural disaster, or man-made emergency poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of the SLU community or a segment of the SLU community, the Clery Act requires that the institution immediately notify the campus community or segment of the community. This communication will typically be a text alert, blast email and/or automated phone call. Depending on the circumstances, other communication options may be used such as social media, digital signage, and the campus website.

SLU alerts inform the campus community of immediate action steps that will preserve safety. These steps include:

• Use Caution: If you are in the area, use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid Area: Stay away from the area.
• Shelter in Place: Stay where you are until an all-clear is given.
• Evacuate: Follow your building evacuation procedure to evacuate the building.
• Run, Hide, Fight: If you can safely leave the area, leave. If you are unable to leave the area safely, find a safe and secure location to hide. If you are left with no other option, use materials at your disposal to fight the active threat.

Timely Warning

Timely warnings will be issued when a situation arises that constitutes a Clery Act crime that occurs within the Clery geography of the University. Situations reported to campus security authorities or local law enforcement will prompt the issuance of timely warnings if the University considers them to constitute a serious, ongoing or continuing threat to the campus community. This communication will be via a blast email to the SLU community.

Public Safety Advisory

If a situation does not rise to the level of causing a serious or continuing threat to the University community (ex. a pattern of larcenies or vandalism cases) or occurs outside the University’s Clery geographic boundaries, a public safety advisory may be issued to the community. This communication will be via a blast email to the SLU community. The PSA, although not a requirement of the Clery Act, will be used as an additional notification process by the University to promote safety and provide information for incidents that are not required by the Clery Act. In addition, a PSA may also be distributed for other safety concerns (ex. mulch fires, weather-related information, school closings, etc.).

How to Sign Up for SLU Alerts

The SLU Alert emergency notification system allows the University to reach students, faculty, staff and visitors within minutes through a number of media options: text messages, cell phones, landlines, emails and digital signage. The SLU community can register for alerts or update contact information through mySLU.

How to Sign Up for RAVE Guardian

Saint Louis University community members can download a free safety app called Rave Guardian to travel more safely on and off campus. Rave Guardian leverages mobile technology to turn smartphones into personal safety devices. The app enhances safety in several ways. In addition to an alert inbox and a 911 call button that shares the user’s GPS location, the app includes a safety timer. If a safety timer expires, the user’s guardians will be notified. Guardians can be added as contacts, and the app allows group messaging and photo sharing.

The app also promotes communication between DPS and users through anonymous tip texting. The app allows users to anonymously text suspicious activity to the Department of Public Safety, including photos.

The Rave Guardian app allows users to:

• Call 911 with one touch right from the app.
• Call DPS directly from the app. When a student sets up a profile in advance, DPS will see the details they’ve provided if they are unable to speak to the dispatcher when the student calls.
• Create a safety network with friends and family who can serve as “guardians,” with whom they can communicate directly or via group messaging.
• Activate a safety timer when heading out, estimating the time it will take to get to a destination. If the timer runs out before they arrive, a chosen guardian is notified so they can call to check on the student.
• Easily submit crime tips or report suspicious activity — anonymously if they prefer — to DPS via text message. Their tips can include photo attachments.

The Rave Guardian app can be downloaded in the Apple or Google Play stores by searching for “Rave Guardian.”

View RAVE Guardian Video Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions