As more than 100,000 University of Washington students and employees prepare for the start of the academic year in Seattle, Tacoma and Bothell, we know our greatest strength is the self-confidence and community bonds people build over the course of the year.
Huskies watch out for each other. We do that by asking for help when we’re worried about a roommate or a colleague. We make sure our friends get home safely at the end of the night. And we know when to call 911 for a medical, fire or law enforcement assistance.
Whether you’re new to the UW and still finding your community or have proudly worn the purple and gold for years, the Division of Campus Community Safety and safety offices on each of our campuses have resources to help you:
Please help us build safer communities by sharing these resources. You can take a few key steps now so you’re better prepared for the year ahead:
1. Sign up for UW Alert text messages
UW Alerts are issued in the event of an incident requiring your awareness and an action — to remain in place, leave an area of campus or avoid an area. You probably already receive UW Alerts via email, but please check your account if you’re not sure you’re receiving alerts via text message.
Only 8% of UW students and 17% of UW employees have added their cell phone number to UW Alert to get a text message during an emergency. Let’s drive that number up. Get the UW Alerts sent directly to your phone by signing up now.
2. Add contact information for SafeCampus to your phone: 206-685-7233
In urgent or dangerous situations, you know to call 911. But what if someone shares they’re struggling with their own safety or you notice behaviors that are making you or others feel uncomfortable? SafeCampus is here to offer support and guidance. You can contact SafeCampus — no matter where you work or study — to discuss safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others. Anonymous calls are welcome.
3. Know your space
Check the exits and the evacuation routes from your classrooms, labs, offices, residence hall rooms and study spaces. Doing this now means you’ll be ready to respond quickly if there’s an emergency.
For more safety tips, follow Campus Community Safety on Instagram or Facebook. We’ll have more information in our next blog post about how to prepare for emergencies.