Digital technology has transformed the way that safety is handled on college campuses. These days, students can sign up for alerts that are delivered via text messages and e-mails. The notifications include information about any safety hazards on campus or within close proximity to the campus. Furthermore, such alerts might come with specific codes that imply the level of the threat in real time. Mobile applications provide even better communication between safety personnel and college students. For example, the exact location of a safety problem can be shown on applications that are accessible to students. Whether there’s a fight or a mysterious chemical explosion, students are alerted to the precise area and nature of the safety concern.

Smartphones also allow students to communicate directly with campus security in dire situations such as active shootings. Surely, students are advised to remain as quiet as possible when hiding from someone who is believed to be armed and dangerous. Therefore, students can press some buttons on their smartphones to contact security officers who monitor situations in real time. GPS-based mobile apps reveal the location of the individuals who are possibly in harm’s way on a college campus. Security staff can then dispatch police officers to the appropriate locations that require urgent rescue operations.

When sirens and alarms go off on a college campus, it may be difficult to make phone calls. Therefore, students must rely on text messages and e-mails for communication with family, friends and other individuals. A false fire alarm undoubtedly might create a frenzy in an entire building on a college campus. Students are likely to receive quick notifications about the nature of the alarm along with instructions on returning to the building. If there’s a legitimate fire hazard during an alarm, students receive text messages with guidelines on proper evacuation.