Y-Alert!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Y-Alerts!?
When will Y-Alert! notifications be sent out?
Who has access to my information?
What phone number or email address will these notifications come from?
Is participation in receiving Y-Alert! notifications mandatory?
What if I don't have a cell phone?
How do I update my Y-Alert! information or my emergency contact information?
How can I add additional emergency contacts?
How long will BYU retain my information?
What is the difference between Y-Alert! information and emergency contact information?
Will I be charged for the text messages?
What are Y-Alerts!?
- Y-Alert! is the emergency notification system designed to immediately alert the BYU community of an emergency or serious threat, such as an active shooter. The notification is sent as a text message, voice call, and/or email.
When will Y-Alert! notifications be sent out?
- Y-Alert! notifications will only be sent out in the event of an emergency and for occasional testing to ensure the system is working as intended.
Who has access to my information?
- Your information will only be accessed by those at BYU whose role requires them to perform safety and security related services.
What phone number or email address will these notifications come from?
- Y-Alert! text messages will be sent from the "89361" number. Voice calls will originate from 801-422-0911. Email messages will be sent from Police_Dispatch@byu.edu .
Is participation in receiving Y-Alert! notifications mandatory?
- Yes! It is important for you to receive this information in the case of an emergency. Y-Alert! notifications will provide you with information that may help to protect you and those around you.
What if I don't have a cell phone?
- While less timely than text messages, individuals may sign up to receive email notifications or phone calls.
How do I update my Y-Alert! information or my emergency contact information?
- Updates to how Y-Alert! notifications are received can be made on my.BYU.edu . Select "personal information", and then choose the "contact" tab.
How can I add additional emergency contacts?
- Additional emergency contacts can be added on my.BYU.edu . Select "personal information", and then choose the "contact" tab.
How long will BYU retain my information?
- Individuals will remain in the system until they no longer have an active role at the university.
What is the difference between Y-Alert! information and emergency contact information?
- Y-Alert! information is how the university will contact you about an emergency affecting BYU Provo campus (such as an active shooter).
- Emergency contact information is who the university will contact if an emergency has affected you (such as if you were hospitalized after an accident).
Will I be charged for the text messages?
- Depending on your personal cellular service, you may be charged for messages you receive.
If you have further questions about the Y-Alert! system, please reach out to emergency-mgmt@byu.edu or ogc@byu.edu .
Evacuate
There is a hazard inside the building.
When told to evacuate, walk to the nearest exit; don't run. Use the stairs instead of elevators. Calmly make your way to the designated Emergency Assembly Point (EAP) outside of your building.
Possible reasons to evacuate may include:
- A fire on campus
- Hazardous material spills
- Indoor flooding
- A crime in progress
- Bomb threats
- Indoor gas leaks
For more information on what to do when evacuating, visit our evacuation page at the link below.
Seek Shelter
There is a hazard outside the building.
Weather emergencies or contaminants may make it temporarily unsafe to be outside. Stay indoors. Close windows and exterior doors. Avoid windows, glass, and unsecured objects. Don't use elevators.
Possible reasons to seek shelter may include:
- Severe weather events
- Flash flooding
- Chemical hazards
For more information on what to do when seeking shelter, visit our page at the link below.
Stay Put
You are safe, but need to stay in your room or area.
Sometimes it's necessary for university officials to keep an area clear of passersby. If this happens, you should stay in your current location but can otherwise go about business as usual. Await further instruction.
Possible reasons to stay put may include:
- Medical emergencies
- Physical altercations
- Police investigations
- Verbal disturbances
- Criminal activity nearby
- Animal(s) loose in the building
For more information on what to do when instructed to stay put, visit our page at the link below.
Run, Hide, Fight
There is a moving threat on campus.
When an aggressor is on campus, you can either run, hide, or fight. Choose which is right for you, and prepare yourself mentally and physically to deal with the situation.
Lock and barricade doors, turn off the lights, silence your phone, and stay out of sight. Don't open the door for anyone. Contact police when it is safe to do so, and do whatever you can to survive.
For more information on what to do during an active aggressor situation, visit our active shooter page at the link below.