What to Do When You Receive an Emergency Notification
Response Checklist
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Read the Message Carefully and Stay Calm
Review the message in its entirety.
AlertNU messages will typically include the date, time, location of occurrence, a description of the incident or incidents, and any other pertinent details available at the time of issuing the notice. AlertNU messages will not include the names and other personal identifying information of crime victims/survivors.
Remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
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Follow Instructions
Emergency messages will contain information that could aid community members in altering their behavior to protect their personal safety and minimize additional incidents from occurring.
For AlertNU message, follow the instructions included in the message to keep yourself and others safe in emergency situations. Familiarity with terminology used in AlertNU messages will help you respond appropriately. -
Stay Updated
Updates will be shared as available on the Northwestern homepage. The homepage will direct users to the University emergency landing page for the most up-to-date information. You will also be updated via follow-up AlertNU messages. Please note, in some circumstances, the next AlertNU message may not contain new information. The University strives to maintain no more than 15 minutes between follow-up AlertNU messages, but some circumstances may result in more rapid or spaced messaging
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Wait for the "All Clear"
Additional messages with updated information, including an "all clear" update, will be sent from AlertNU when appropriate. An "all clear" message means that the urgent or dangerous situation has ended.