The University of Utah is rolling out an updated Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and enhancing its emergency alert system. This aims to get vital safety information to students and staff more quickly.
The new SRP is familiar to many students. They’ve likely encountered it in their K-12 schools, where phrases like “lockdown” are standard. By using this well-known language, the university makes it easier for everyone to understand emergency instructions. In schools, the SRP is simpler due to the smaller environment and direct supervision. In contrast, the university is larger and more open, requiring guidance that supports individual decision-making.
Stuart Moffatt, director of emergency management at the University of Utah, emphasizes the importance of reducing response times. “The familiarity of this protocol works to shorten response time,” he explains. When emergencies arise, people often freeze or hesitate, but clear instructions can help them act swiftly.
The SRP outlines five key actions to take during emergencies:
- Hold: Stay in your area if the threat is contained.
- Secure: Lock doors and stay inside if the danger is outside.
- Lockdown: Lock or barricade your room if there’s an immediate threat.
- Evacuate: Move to a safer location when ordered.
- Shelter: Follow instructions for specific hazards like severe weather.
In addition, the updated campus alert system will feature new icons and clearer language. Alerts will shift to an opt-out format, prompting more users to get crucial information. This change is backed by studies showing that SMS alerts are the most effective for delivering urgent messages. Moffatt states that SMS alerts typically reach recipients within 3 to 5 minutes.
Implementing the SRP in a university is different from K-12 settings. The campus requires clear, actionable messages to address its unique challenges—the open layout and independent movement of students make it crucial to provide guidance that everyone can follow.
Over the coming months, users will be prompted to add multiple SMS numbers for alerts. This ensures that not only students receive notifications but also their loved ones. You can’t opt out of email alerts, which will still reach everyone listed in the system.
As we move forward, Moffatt assures that improvements will continue. “By merging the SRP with evidence-based research, we hope for broader reach and clearer communication,” he says.
To get more information on the campus alert system, visit the [University of Utah Campus Alerts](https://portal.app.utah.edu/campus-alerts) website. Staying informed now can help keep everyone safer later.
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The University of Utah, UofU, The U, University of Utah adopts Standard Response Protocol, expands emergency alerts – @theU
