Bow Valley College has launched a dynamic and effective safety application called CampusAlert. It's the best way for staff, learners, parents and other stakeholders to receive official and trusted emergency information right at their fingertips.
CampusAlert is a free, 'opt-in' app which provides accurate, real-time, trusted information about urgent situations that require immediate attention or action. These can include severe weather alerts, closures, lockdown, power failure, etc. It also offers easy access to emergency and security services, safety tools, and health resources any time of day or night.
All learners, staff, vendor and educational partners at Bow Valley College, including University of Lethbridge, Athabasca University and Olds College, are invited to download the app. Family members, caregivers and friends will also appreciate the app to track the safety of loved ones.
Bow Valley College is expanding year over year, currently hosting over 16,000+ learners, staff, vendors and visitors every year. CampusAlert an effective tool that supports the college's emergency planning and response and it creates a sense of community.
"Our priority has always been to provide fast, coordinated security services in a variety of situations," states Vaughn Ravenscroft, Vice President, Strategy and Chief Information Officer. "Our Emergency Response Team is very well trained and we maintain a stellar safety record at our downtown Calgary and Regional campus locations. Now with CampusAlert, we can add to our protection by sending out trusted mass notifications faster and more efficiently."
Developed by App Armor and customized exclusively for Bow Valley College, CampusAlert features real-time emergency notifications, click-to-call capability for police and campus security, and the ability to share location, send an I'm OK message, work/study alone and Friend Walk tracking/check-in as well as quick access to the Distress Centre.
Rob Williams, Manager, Security and Emergency Services, says the app gives staff and learners peace of mind wherever they are. It will also boost greater understanding and compliance with emergency policies and procedures.
"If a user is working late or walking home alone, they can connect with a friend to track them to make sure they're okay," Williams states. "You can also call for immediate assistance from police or campus security if you feel unsafe. What I like about CampusAlert is that it helps us look out for each other while promoting personal safety and wellbeing."
CampusAlert is available for free download on Google Play and App Store for all Smartphones. An additional Text feature is also available.
For more information, FAQs and resources, visit www.bowvalleycollege.ca/campusalert.
