Queen’s University is encouraging students, staff, and faculty who have not yet signed up for QUAlerts text notifications to register, so they receive critical information as quickly as possible in the event of a campus emergency.

QUAlerts, the university’s emergency notification system, sends urgent messages through several channels. Email alerts to all Queen’s addresses are issued by default, while text alerts to your smartphone are available to those who opt-in.  

To register your phone to receive emergency text notifications from the university, visit the QUAlerts signup webpage, and enter your Queen’s ID and mobile number. The system will send a security code to your device for verification. From there, you will receive a text message confirming that you have signed up.
 

Emergency alerts may be issued for situations such as:

• Police or security incidents
• Building emergencies
• Severe weather (such as tornados)
• Other urgent safety situations
   

Text messages help ensure you see alerts quickly

When someone signs up for QUAlerts text messages, their mobile number is added to an anonymous distribution list used to send alerts during emergencies.

“QUAlerts messages are the most effective way to reach the Queen’s community during an emergency,” says Chris Scott, Director of Campus Security and Emergency Services (CSES).  

“While all members of the Queen’s community are automatically enrolled to receive QUAlerts notifications by email, they can further enhance their awareness of emergency situations by signing up to receive alerts through text messages and Microsoft Teams.”
 

QUAlerts are delivered through a national platform called Alertable.  

You can download the free Alertable mobile app that lets you override your phone’s silent mode to ensure you receive QUAlerts even if the sound on your device is turned off.  

The Alertable App works in conjunction with a wide network of other campus and municipal organizations across the country on a free opt-in basis, allowing you to see alerts from a wide array of areas and organizations including Kingston Police.

When using the app, be sure to select "Queen's University - All Campuses" (or the campus of your choice) to ensure you get QUAlerts notifications.
 

Alerts also available on Teams

Alertable notices (including QUAlerts messages and alerts from other jurisdictions or agencies if selected) can now also be displayed through Microsoft Teams, where alerts appear as chat notifications. Campus community members can opt in to the Teams notices.

The university will test the QUAlerts system on September 23 at 1 PM. An email notification can be expected along with any other notification methods selected, such as text messages.

For more information, and to download the Alertable app, visit the QUAlerts website.