Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alert WesternU?

Alert WesternU is Western University's emergency mass notification and crisis communication system.

Ensuring the safety of students, faculty and staff during an emergency is critical

Alert WesternU powered by Alertable, is Western's emergency mass notification system. All Western and affiliate faculty, staff and students with a current Western email address are automatically enrolled in the notification system.

Alert WesternU delivers alerts and updates that can save lives and prevent injury. This system is just one part of the university's emergency management plan. In the event of an emergency, Western Special Constable Service will issue emergency mass notification to the Western campus community using this service.

Users can also customize their Alert Western account and add additional contact methods and receive messages through the Alertable app

How do I customize my Alert WesternU account?

All Western students, faculty and staff with a current uwo.ca email address, including the affiliates, will automatically be subscribed to the system and receive email notifications. If you had customized notification settings in the previous version of Alert WesternU that same functionality is available in the new app.

When will the system be tested?

Two times annually: mid-winter and mid-fall.

What is Alertable?

Alertable is Peasi's (https://peasi.com/emergency-alert) mass notification system. It is in use by the Government of Canada, and many post secondary institutions across the country.

Is the data stored in Alertable safe?

Alertable only stores the following information in an encrypted state: Western provided email address and whatever other information you provide.

Can I opt-out of receiving emergency notifications?

No. Anyone with a Western provided email address will receive critical campus community safety messages.

How does Alert WesternU work?

Alert WesternU issues important safety messages in the event of a community-wide emergency to the entire Western campus. 

When will I receive Alert WesternU notifications?

You can expect to be notified in emergency situations such as imminent danger, campus evacuation or closure, weather emergencies (tornado), and critical university status updates.

What can I do if I am visually or hearing impaired?

Contact alerthelp@westernu.ca to make arrangement for accommodations.

If an emergency notification is sent out, is there a guarantee I will receive it?

When Alert WesternU is activated, the system will make several attempts to reach you through your registered contacts. Western does not assume legal responsibility for technical difficulties which may result in notification failures. Please ensure you are running the most current version of the Alertable mobile app.

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information about Alert WesternU, please contact alerthelp@westernu.ca.