Tufts Emergency Alert System

The Tufts Emergency Alert System consists of technology and procedures to enable the university to quickly send information to the community during significant emergencies. Our crisis communications systems are powerful tools, but we cannot rely on technology alone to meet a crisis situation. In the event of an emergency, we will all still have the responsibility to help each other. It will take some time for messages to reach every person in the system. When you get an alert, follow the directions and spread the word.

Read about the spring 2012 test of the Tufts Emergency Alert System

Tufts Emergency Alert System (TEAS)

The Tufts Emergency Alert System consists of the Send Word Now rapid notification system, capable of sending voice and text messages to cellular phones, SMS text messaging, and email.
Read Frequently Asked Questions about TEAS >>

Tufts Today Network

Normally the Tufts Today Network infoscreens deliver news and events at 14 high-traffic areas at the university. In an emergency there may be information or instructions posted to these screens.

Weather Emergency Hotline (617-627-INFO)

During inclement weather, members of the Tufts community may get information on campus closings by 6:00 AM at http://announcements.tufts.edu/ or by calling 617-627-INFO. Information about general emergencies may also be available on the weather emergency hotline.

Emergency Notification Policy

In the event of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of the Tufts community, Tufts University will send an alert message to the community using the Tufts Emergency Alert System. The University Police supervisor on-duty at the time of the emergency will confirm the threat and will determine what alert message to send. The system will be activated, without delay, by a member of the Department of Public Safety unless issuing a notification will, in the professional judgement of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist a victim or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency. Messages will be sent to all community members on the affected campus(es), and will contain only a very brief description of the type of emergency along with instructions on how to protect yourself — it’s critical that you follow the instructions immediately. After the initial alert message, additional information may be distributed by another alert message, by email, or by web at http://www.tufts.edu/ and http://emergency.tufts.edu/.

Messages from the Tufts Emergency Alert System are sent to university email accounts and can be sent by text message to wireless phones, and by telephone to any enrolled phone number; however, you must provide your contact information to be included in the system. Members of the community are invited to provide/update their contact information at the beginning of each semester, or may update their contact information at any time by requesting an email invitation. A full scale test of the Tufts Emergency Alert System is performed at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters on a date that is announced by email and in various campus publications.