From loudspeakers across campus to instant alerts on your phone, UM’s mass notification system is designed to get critical information out fast.

Gordon Perrier, Director of Security Services, and Chris Bohonis, Assistant Director of Security, recently sat down to share how the system works, when it’s activated and what upgrades are making it even better.

The following is a condensed version of that conversation.

What is the UM Safe App and how does it work during emergencies?

The UM Safe App is the primary tool for emergency communication. It’s important to download the app and create a profile to ensure you receive notifications.

Once registered, users can receive alerts at up to five email addresses, five SMS numbers and VoIP-enabled landlines.

What happens if someone hasn’t downloaded the app?

Even without the app, students and staff will still receive alerts through their university email.

If they’re on the Fort Garry campus, they may also hear messages through the loudspeaker tower system.

UM also communicates through traditional and social media in an emergency.

Who decides when an emergency alert is sent out?

In dire emergencies, Security Services initiates the alert immediately. The situation must be imminent and ongoing to trigger a mass notification.

If a threat is resolved quickly and there is no ongoing danger, a mass alert may not be sent.

Who’s behind the scenes during an emergency?

Institutional safety officers in Security Services work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They’re responsible for general response, activating systems, coordinating with public services, and ensuring the right protocols are followed.

Once police, fire, or ambulance arrive, they take command and control. Security Services supports them and follows their lead on communication. For example, they may ask us not to send a message if it could interfere with their response.

How often is the system tested?

The systems undergo configuration testing every 12 hours.

The full loudspeaker tower system is tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 1:00 PM. During the test, you’ll hear an air horn followed by a message that this is an emergency test. In a real emergency, the sound is a siren, followed by a message with instructions.

What upgrades are being made to the system?

Infrastructure is being improved. For instance, emergency poles are being replaced with new yellow units. This project is about 25 per cent complete. CCTV is also being upgraded and multiple systems are being integrated into a single coordinated platform.

UM’s Emergency Response Plan guides actions, decision making, communication and coordination of response. While emergencies are rare, improvements are continually being evaluated to ensure crucial information can be shared quickly to support safety on all UM campuses.

Key takeaways:

• Download the UM Safe App and keep notifications turned on to stay informed and connected.
• Register up to five additional personal email addresses or phone numbers in the app.
• Visit Security Services for more safety information and programs.

UM Safe App key features

Emergency alerts: Receive emergency alerts through text message, landline phone calls or an additional personal email address. These options supplement existing alerts within the UM Safe App and to your official UM email address.  

Opt-in to receive these additional alerts by opening the app and tapping the red banner labelled “Alert Notification System Registration” to add your preferred mobile number, landline, and/or personal email. 

Mobile Blue Light: Instantly connects you to UM Security Services’ 24-hour operations centre. Your location is tracked via GPS until a peace officer arrives to help. Remember: you need to be on either the Bannatyne or Fort Garry campus to trigger the alert. If you move off campus after an alert is activated, the police will also be contacted. 

Safe Walk and Safe Ride: Security Serivces will walk you to your destination on the Bannatyne or Fort Garry campus. Safe Walk is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Safe Ride is available on the Bannatyne campus until midnight, Monday to Friday.  

Both services must start at a university location and can be requested through the UM Safe App, as well as by calling 204-474-9312 on the Fort Garry campus or 204-789-3330 on Bannatyne. 

Friend Walk: Walking from one location to another on campus? Share your location with a friend who can monitor your route virtually. This feature does not involve Security Services. 

Work Alone: Register with Security Services when working alone. Scheduled check-in times will be set up, and if missed, Security Services will check on you. If you prefer, you can register with another emergency contact. 

Report a Tip: Use the app to report suspicious activity via phone, text or an in-app form.  

Download the UM Safe App today and keep notifications turned on to stay informed and connected. 

More safety resources

The Security Services website has more resources on what to do in an emergency, including important emergency phone numbers, emergency procedures and the university’s emergency response plan. 

You can also watch a short video demonstrating what to do in the event of an active intruder. The video was created by the Winnipeg Police Service, University of Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre and Shared Health. 

“Emergencies generate stress in all of us,” says Kevyn Bourgeois, Assistant Director (Ops Support, Training & Compliance) in Security Services. “Under stress it is harder to think critically because we mostly want to leave the proximity of the emergency.”  

Knowing what to do, or what not to do, builds confidence in how to act when it matters, says Bourgeois.  

Know what to do

Being prepared for an emergency is a shared responsibility. Everyone benefits when individuals know how to respond. 

Here are three things individuals can do in the event of an armed intruder on campus: run, hide and fight. 

Run: Evacuate if possible

If there is considerable distance between you and the gunfire or armed person, quickly move away from the sound of the gunfire or armed person, says Bourgeois. If it is safe to do so, run out of the building and move far away until you are in a secure place to shelter. 

Hide: Shelter in place

This means hide silently in as safe a place as possible, says Bourgeois. Here are some things to think about:

• If you cannot leave a building safely, hide in an area out of the armed person’s view.
• Choose a hiding place with thicker walls and fewer windows, if possible.
• Lock doors and barricade with furniture, if possible.
• Silence phones and turn off other electronics.
• Turn off the lights.
• Close windows, shades and blinds, and avoid being seen from outside the room, if possible.
• If you are outdoors and cannot RUN safely, find a place to hide that will protect you from gunfire such as a brick wall, large trees or buildings.

Fight: Take action to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter

• As a last resort, fight. If you can’t leave or hide safely, and when your life is in imminent danger, take action.
• Attempt to incapacitate or disrupt the actions of the shooter. Act with physical aggression and force.
• Use any items close at hand – such as fire extinguishers or chairs – to strike or throw at the armed person. 

Call 911 when it is safe to do so

Wait for law enforcement or emergency officials to assist you with leaving the building, if you are inside.  

When law enforcement or emergency officials arrive and clearly identify themselves, you must display empty hands with open palms. 

Safety resources and training

UM is committed to continuously enhancing campus security and our emergency response effort. As part of that commitment, UM provides a mobile safety app to faculty, staff and students, and is offering educational sessions to the UM community so that we are prepared when it matters most. 

Download the UM Safe App

UM Safe is a mobile safety app that enhances the safety of students, staff and faculty on campus. The app sends safety alerts and provides instant access to campus safety resources. 

It includes features such as the mobile blue light, Safe Walk, Friend Walk, and Work Alone. 

Download the UM Safe App for IOS or Android now. 

As part of our ongoing commitment, UM is offering educational sessions focused on the university’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP). These sessions will provide valuable information to all members of the UM community, so that we are prepared when it matters most.

The ERP is a comprehensive framework that ensures the university is prepared to respond to a wide range of incidents and emergencies in a coordinated, effective and timely manner. It serves to guide actions, decision-making, communication and overall engagement with emergency agencies at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.

Register for a campus safety education session

The University of Manitoba is offering their annual safety training sessions for faculty, staff and students, once again this Fall Term.

These sessions will cover:

• UM’s emergency response plan,
• the UM Safe App, which provides real-time safety communications and support, and
• how to respond to an active threat on campus.

At the sessions, Security Services will demonstrate the UMSafe App, including safety alerts, the mobile blue light, Safe Walk, Friend Walk and Work Alone features. Download the UM Safe App for IOS or Android now.

Members of the UM Security Services team will also be available to answer questions and provide guidance on what to do if there are active threats on campus. 

Bannatyne campus

Monday, September 8, 2025
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Theatre B, Basic Medical Sciences Building

Register now for the September 8 session.

Fort Garry campus

Monday, October 20, 2025
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Manitoba Room (MPR), UMSU University Centre

 Register now  for the October 20 session.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Manitoba Room (MPR), UMSU University Centre

 Register now  for the October 20 session.

Ralph’s safety leadership has supported students and colleagues across academic generations. Known as a reliable and approachable resource, Ralph has supported coworkers through chemical safety updates, hazard identification, WHMIS training, and equipment use guidance. He frequently assists new technicians with safe chemical disposal, regularly answers protocol questions, and has helped ensure that all laboratory groups follow requirements and guidelines.

A long-time advocate for laboratory safety, Ralph has gone above and beyond his formal duties by organizing and delivering annual WHMIS presentations for the Plant Science Department, ensuring all lab members stay informed of current regulatory requirements. His leadership has ensured that the department keeps current with safety legislation standards, and his presentations are a trusted part of the department’s safety culture.

Quotes from colleagues illustrate the depth of his influence. Colleagues noted,

• “Ralph would visit me in my lab to update me on hazardous chemical updates and help me prepare for safety inspections.”
• “He makes himself approachable with regard to any question, whether it be from graduate students or coworkers unsure of how to proceed.”

Notably, this nomination was a collective effort, submitted with the signatures of multiple staff members from his department, all attesting to the role Ralph has played in shaping a safer workplace. The nominations for Ralph strongly empathize his leadership, consistency, and genuine care for the well-being of others has left a lasting mark on the University of Manitoba community.

Please join us in congratulating Ralph Kowatsch on this well-earned recognition and thanking him for his contributions to keep our campus safe.

What’s New?

You can now receive emergency alerts through:

• Text messages
• Landline phone calls
• Additional email addresses of your choice

These options supplement existing alerts within the UMSafe App and to your official UM email address.

What You Need to Do:

Existing Users:

To receive alerts on additional devices, you must opt in. Simply open the UMSafe App and tap the red banner at the bottom of the main screen labeled ‘Alert Notification System Registration’. From there, add your preferred mobile number, landline, and/or personal email.

New Users:

Download the UMSafe App. After installation, be sure to register your preferred communication method(s) through the ‘Alert Notification System Registration’ banner so you never miss a critical update.

All UM email addresses are automatically included and do not require additional registration.

Why It Matters:

Emergencies can happen at any time. Receiving timely and accurate information is key to keeping yourself and others safe. The UMSafe App is your direct link to critical campus-wide alerts from UM Security Services.

Need Help?

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Security Services at emergency_response@umanitoba.ca.

To prepare, Physical Plant implements measures to ensure a safe and respectful environment for both people and geese at the Fort Garry campus. Operations and Maintenance will be covering planters to deter nesting in areas with high human traffic; geese that nest on rooftops will be provided access ramps for their goslings upon hatching. As the geese begin to nest, signs will be posted in nesting areas to warn people of their presence. Learn more about the UM Wildlife Management Plan.

Sharing Campus Respectfully

Geese thrive in urban environments due to access to water, food, nesting sites, and protection from predators. While they are fascinating to observe, they can also be territorial and defensive—especially during nesting season. However, these geese are accustomed to campus life. They navigate our human activities daily, coexisting with cars, traffic, and pedestrians. They acknowledge our presence and respect our space. It’s essential that we do the same in return, recognizing that they are as much a part of the campus as the buildings we use.

Canada geese contribute to our university experience, and we should take pride in maintaining an environment that supports them. To ensure a safe and harmonious coexistence:

• Observe geese from a distance and avoid approaching their nests.
• Be mindful of posted signs and avoid areas with active nests.
• If a goose hisses, flaps its wings, or moves toward you, calmly back away to give it space.
• Do not take selfies with geese.
• Do not throw objects at or antagonize them.
• Do not feed them.
• Drive cautiously, being prepared for geese to cross a road.

Avian Flu Awareness:  Ways to Protect Yourself

As we welcome the geese back to campus, it’s also important to be aware of the risks associated with avian flu. This virus has been affecting wild birds across North America, including waterfowl like geese. To protect both yourself and wildlife:

• If a bird looks like it needs help, don’t approach or touch it. Sick or injured birds may carry avian flu, which can spread to humans and other animals.
• Avoid contact with bird droppings and wash your hands thoroughly if you encounter areas frequented by birds.
• Pet owners should keep dogs on a leash to prevent them from interacting with birds or bird droppings.

If you witness anyone engaging in harmful behavior toward the geese, please report it to Campus Security. For concerns about wildlife on campus, contact the Physical Plant Customer Service Desk at ppwod@umanitoba.ca.

By respecting the geese and staying informed about avian flu, we can ensure a safe and welcoming environment for both wildlife and the campus community.

To support this, Security Services offers the UM Safe app to help you stay informed and connected. The app provides safety alerts, access to important resources and instant access to in-person security services at the University of Manitoba.

UM Safe is available for all students, staff and faculty on iPhone and Android devices. Key features of the app include Mobile Blue Light, Safe Walk and Ride, Work Alone and Friend Walk.

Take a moment to explore how these features can help you stay safe and connected on campus.

Mobile Blue Light

UM Safe app includes features like Mobile Blue Light, Safe Walk and Ride, Work Alone and Friend Walk.

When you activate this emergency system through the UM Safe App, you will be instantly connected to Security Services’ 24-hour operations centre, and a peace officer will be sent to help you. Your location will be shared with Security Services through a GPS mapping system that will stay on until you are located. It cannot be turned off.

Remember – you need to be on either the Bannatyne or Fort Garry campus to trigger the alert to Security Services. If you happen to move off campus after an alert is activated, the police will also be contacted.

Safe Walk and Ride

There is safety in numbers. Through Safe Walk, Security Services will walk with you to your vehicle, bus stop or another university building. Safe walks are provided at both campuses 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

On the Bannatyne campus, you can also request a Safe Ride, Monday to Friday until midnight. Security Services will pick up a student, faculty or staff member and drop them off within the Safe Ride boundaries.

Both services must start at a university location and can be requested through the UM Safe App, as well as by calling 204-474-9312 on the Fort Garry campus or 204-789-330 on Bannatyne.

Friend Walk

Walking from one location to another on campus? You can set up a virtual safe walk with a friend or other safety contact. This option does not involve UM Security Services. Once initiated through the UM Safe App, this electronic system will register your location and display a map that shows your movements, either on or off campus, to the person you chose as your safety contact.

Work Alone

If you are working alone on campus, you can register with the UM Security Services operations centre, or another emergency contact. If UM Security Services is selected as the contact, they will be notified that a Work Alone has been initiated, and that you are working alone on campus. Scheduled check-in time(s) will be set up for personal safety. If a connection is not made at the prescheduled check-in time, Security Services will physically go to the location to ensure your safety.

Report a tip

If you are worried about someone or see something suspicious, you can report a tip to Security Services using the UM Safe App. You will have three options for reporting: by phone, by text or by filling out an in-app tip form that is sent to Security Services by email.

Download the app today and stay connected!

Nominees for this award may not have safety tasks as part of their primary job responsibilities but take action to enhance safety on campus. These are the people who go above and beyond their roles to create a safe and supportive environment.

Award Criteria:

Nominees may demonstrate any or all the following elements:

• Commitment to Health and Safety: Nominees should demonstrate a proactive approach to safety, going beyond their regular duties to promote and maintain a safe environment.
• Initiatives and Innovations: This criterion recognizes nominees who have developed or implemented programs, procedures, or initiatives that have significantly enhanced workplace safety.
• Impact: The award celebrates positive outcomes resulting from the nominee’s contributions to safety, benefiting both the campus and the broader university community.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Nominees should have shown leadership in safety efforts, working collaboratively with others to foster a culture of health and safety.

Nomination Submission’s Process:
Nominations can be submitted using a fillable PDF form that includes additional details on the award criteria and submission requirements. The deadline for nominations is April 18, 2025. Completed forms should be sent to ehso@umaniotba.ca.

This award represents the University of Manitoba’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all staff, faculty, and students. We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the outstanding efforts of our community members.

Selection Process:

For more information about the award, criteria, and nomination details, please visit the EHSO intranet site or contact the EHSO office directly.

The winner will be selected based on the merit of the nomination submission, with particular attention to the impact and significance of their contributions to campus safety. If multiple nominations are submitted for an individual, this will be taken into consideration as a further testament to their dedication and impact on the university community.

For more information on the award and to locate the form please visit: https://umanitoba.sharepoint.com/sites/um-intranet-workplace-safety-and-health/SitePages/Health-and-Safety-Award-Program.aspx

Safety resources

UM’s Security Services department is staffed with full-time institutional safety officers and security guards who work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They offer a wide variety of programs and initiatives to support the safety and security of our UM community, including:

• SafeWalk/Safe ride program
  You don’t have to walk alone on campus. Safe walks and safe rides are provided at both campuses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To request a safe walk or safe ride please call 204-789-3330 for the Bannatyne campus and 204-474-9312 for the Fort Garry or William Norrie campus.
• Working alone program
  This program supports employees who work alone to mitigate risk through the development of a safe work plan.
• Crime prevention through environmental design
  Security services staff offer site assessments and provide security recommendations regarding lighting, foot traffic and infrastructure.
• Classes, workshops and training
  Annually, UM Security Services conducts and coordinates several formal presentations, workshops and training sessions to address both campus and personal safety for student groups, staff and faculty.
• Monthly newsletter
  Each month, UM Security Services publishes a newsletter featuring safety messages and statistics that offer insight into the daily operations of the department.

Our campuses also have 1,000 closed-circuit television cameras on campus, in various classrooms, hallways, parking lots and other public areas. These cameras are actively monitored by UM Security Services staff.

Recent enhancements to security on campus

In the spring of 2024, UM launched the Institutional Safety Officer (ISO) program to enhance campus safety and increase coordination with public emergency services. ISOs are peace officers with responsibilities under provincial legislation and are trained in public safety, crime prevention, and de-escalation techniques. The launch included full-day Open Houses where the university community could meet the ISOs at the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses, as well as members from the Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management (OHRCM), Student Engagement and Success, and the Sexual Violence Resource Centre. The Open House was an opportunity for UM community members to discuss a variety of services that comprehensively address safety on our campuses.

UM is also expanding its security staff, adding four new ISOs on the Bannatyne campus and hiring an assistant director to enhance operational support, compliance, and training. ISOs also work with contract security guards within student residences.

UM will continue to review and update its security measures and protocols to ensure our processes align with our commitment to a safe and supportive environment.

How UM communicates in a security incident

We work closely with emergency services to support community notifications and updates. Additionally, UM has several methods for emergency and urgent communications, including our loudspeaker, social media, email, umanitoba.ca, UM Learn and the UM Safe mobile app. The app sends safety alerts and provides instant access to campus safety resources. Please download the app if you haven’t done so already.

Contacting security

For safety information and programs, visit Security Services.

We offer several services to assist you daily, including call response, Safe Walk, Friend Walk, Working Alone, and the emergency mobile blue light feature through the free University of Manitoba Safety App. Download Android or iOS.

You can reach Security Services operations centre 24/7:

• Non-emergency: 204-474-9312
• Emergency: 204-474-9341
• 555 from University landlines
• #555 from Rogers and BellMTS cell phones

Code Blue stations and red call boxes also provide direct emergency communication with Security Services.

For more information about UM’s comprehensive emergency response plan, please visit the university website.