Types of Alerts Defined

The University of Montana communicates with the campus community through messages referred to as UM/Alerts.  There are three different UM/Alerts and it is important to know the differences and to understand key definitions that will be sent during notifications.  The types of UM/Alerts used by the University of Montana are:

• Emergency Notifications
• Timely Warnings
• Public Safety Notifications

An EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION is triggered by an event that is currently occurring on or immediately threatening the campus (Active Shooter Event / Fire / other emergency). EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS are different from other messages in that:

• They will be sent via e-mail & text message
• They are informing of a dangerous event that is currently happening on or very near the campus.
• They will contain information about what is happening, where it is happening, and what you should do: Standard Response Protocols (SRP's)

• There will be follow-up messages that will inform you about significant changes in the situation.

TIMELY WARNINGS:  Issued to alert the campus community to Clery Act Crimes that have already occurred but represent an ongoing threat.

A TIMELY WARNING is triggered by a repotted Clery Act crime that has already occurred on the UM campus.  These are message that refer to an event that is already over but still represents  a serious or ongoing threat.  The decision to send a timely warning is done on a case-by-case basis in light if the facts surrounding a crime.  TIMELY WARNINGS a different form other message in that:

• They will be sent via e-mail message only.
• They pertain to Clery Act crimes which have occurred on UM Clery Act geography.
• They are intended to aid in the prevention of similar crimes. 
• They will generally include the type of crime committed, and tips to help others avoid being victimized.
• Timely warnings require no follow-up messaging.

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTIFICATIONS:  Issued at times when the incident does not meet the criteria of an emergency notification or a timely warning.

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTIFICATIONS are discretionary in nature.  The University of Montana issues these warnings when the situation being reported does not meet the criteria for an emergency notification or a timely warning, but is considered important enough to inform the campus community.  

• Public Safety Notification may be sent via text and/or e-mail depending on the urgency of the information.