Like any community, we are not immune to natural and man-made disasters. Potential exists for earthquakes, drought, extreme heat, fire, flash floods, and hazardous material emergencies.

UNLV’s office of emergency management strives to keep the campus prepared for all types of hazards, ensuring that personnel are trained to respond to such emergencies and building campus and community resilience that will allow for quicker recovery after an incident.

A critical component is #BeRebelSAFE. This isn’t just a hashtag; its campaign is based on four core pillars:

• Staying informed
• Developing an emergency plan
• Building an emergency supply kit
• Getting involved

We’ll explore the first pillar here and the others in the coming weeks.

Staying Informed

Staying Informed

UNLV has several tools to provide campus community with important information during an emergency. Downloading the RebelSAFE App is only Step 1. The app provides a variety of safety features directly to your smartphone, making it easier to call for a late-night campus security escort, report a tip, or quick-dial 9-1-1 campus dispatch.

But its top feature is that it sends a RebelSAFE Alert push notification to your device in the event of a campus emergency. This emergency notification system is used for incidents that present an imminent threat to your life, health, or safety. The messages will include information and instructions on how protect yourself. The system also broadcasts messages across RebelSAFE emergency phones located outdoors throughout campus.

But for the system to work, you have to keep your contact information up to date.

Variety of Channels

Knowing how to receive emergency notifications, no matter your location, is paramount to ensuring your safety. Do you follow UNLV Police Services’ Facebook or Twitter pages for updates? Have you downloaded the Southern Nevada Community Preparedness App? Do you know where to find real-time weather alerts?

UNLV’s RebelSAFE tools, social media, and local apps — these are all ways to help our community prepare and respond to emergencies. Preparedness begins at home. Take steps today toward staying informed and #BeRebelSAFE.

For additional information visit unlv.edu/safety or contact the office of emergency management at 702-895-5766.