Safety on Campus

The University has in place a simple, easy to use mobile application to deliver important emergency notification alerts and instructions to staff and students. The App also allows you to notify us of an unfolding emergency or submit an urgent request for help or first aid.

Downloading SafeZone

To download the App please go to the iOS App Store (for Apple users), Google Play (for Android users) or the Windows Phone Store, and search for 'SafeZone'. Once your download is complete you will then need to open the SafeZone App and sign-up using your CQUniversity staff or student email address (do not use a personal email address as this will not allow you to register). The App is free to download and install.

Using SafeZone

You can also use the App to submit a request for assistance by selecting one of three options including 'First Aid', 'Help' and 'Emergency'. Each option is clearly represented by a 'button' on the App's homepage. Tap the button that is most relevant to your situation.

If you need medical assistance, tap the FIRST AID button. Campus Security will know your location and will direct a qualified First Aider to assist you.

If you need assistance from Campus Security, tap the HELP button. You will be connected directly to speak to Security.

If you feel threatened or need urgent assistance, tap the Emergency button. Campus Security will know your location, try to contact you and come to your location and alert emergency services.

If urgent medical assistance is required, call triple 000 immediately.

When you tap any of the three SafeZone alert buttons, a 'timer' circle is shown winding down (like a clock). If you accidentally press any SafeZone call button, you can cancel the call by tapping the button again while the 'timer' is winding down. Your request will be cancelled but you will still be contacted by Security to be sure that you are OK.

Push Notifications

CQUni will set up public notification groups based on campus or delivery site; initially, you will be subscribed to all locations however you can opt-in and out of receiving notifications for just those locations relevant to you.

In the event of an emergency situation, you will automatically be sent push notifications for the locations you are subscribed to. The notifications will provide information and instructions on what is happening and what to do in order to stay safe (so please make sure you have push notifications switched on for the SafeZone App).

Privacy

SafeZone does not and cannot track your location until you send an Emergency Alarm or make a Help or First Aid call. All information that you provide as a SafeZone user is protected by Federal and State Privacy Laws. Read about the privacy provisions on the SafeZone website.

Don't use a smartphone or tablet?

The SafeZone app has been specifically created for use on mobile devices. If you don't have a smartphone or tablet you can still contact security directly by dialling x1331 from your CQUniversity landline. In the event of an emergency, you should also dial Triple '0'.

Going forward CQUniversity will also be implementing other emergency notification technologies that will send emergency notifications via email, SMS and voice messages on landline phones.

For more information please go to safezoneapp.com.

For information about SafeZone and how to use it the app at CQUniversity please go to the following Videos for further information.

• Instructional Video
• How to use SafeZone in an emergency

A new button "Check-In Timer" the exists between the Torch and Check-In buttons to allow the user to specify a timer that counts down to zero, at which time an alert is raised to all responders.

To access this feature open SafeZone and Click on Check In Timer then select how long you need to be checked into SafeZone. The Timer will then start. A 5 min message will be sent to you – press ok. If you do not cancel when the timer is up an alert will be raised. To cancel press cancel.

Security will call you to confirm you are ok.

This feature is in the following versions :

• SafeZone iOS 3.61
• SafeZone Android 3.61
• OmniGuard iOS 3.51
• SafeTrans 1.21
• Command 3.61

To ensure that your mobile device has the latest version complete the following:

1. Open SafeZone
2. Click on menu
3. Click on Version up to date
   If you have the latest version it will say 3.61
   If not, press update

What is SafeZone?

SafeZone is a user-friendly, free, mobile application that has been designed to facilitate instant communication between CQUniversity and its staff and students in the event of a critical emergency incident or if you feel that yours or someone else’s personal safety is being compromised.

How do I get SafeZone?

Getting SafeZone is easy and will only take you a few minutes. To download the app please go to the iOS App Store (for Apple users), Google Play (for Android users) or the Windows Phone Store. You can download SafeZone to both smartphone and tablet devices.

Once your download is complete you will then need to open the SafeZone App and sign-up. To register please use your CQUniversity staff or student email address (do not use a personal email address as this will not allow you to register).

You will also need to enter a name and a contact phone number – this information is required as it will help university security staff and/or emergency services reach you in the event of an emergency. As well as contact information there is also the option to upload a photo and any additional information that may assist first responders in the event of an emergency or request for help, for example special mobility requirements or medical conditions.

To complete the App registration you will receive an automatically generated email that you will need to respond to, to confirm your identity. Once you have signed up you will then be able to use the SafeZone app to receive push notifications about incidents or to call for help should you or someone else need it.

Please make sure that you click the menu button (top left corner) select Notifications and click on the region that your campus is located in i.e. Mackay City Campus will be in the Mackay Region. If the region is activated you should have a green button for iPhones and a tick for android phones.

SafeZone is now ready for you to use.

Why should I get SafeZone?

SafeZone is a simple and seamless communication tool for CQUniversity to share information and messages with staff and students during emergency situations, including but not limited to severe weather events, off-campus emergencies that may affect the safety of our staff and students, and incidents that may trigger the need for a lockdown on campus. Along with this, the App will also allow you to request first aid, call for help or alert us to an unfolding emergency.

It is not compulsory to download SafeZone however it will make it much easier for you to remain connected during an emergency and for you to call for help if and when you or someone else needs it.

How does SafeZone work?

SafeZone uses high-speed Push Messaging services to allow the Security Team to send you important information during an emergency or critical incident on campus. To ensure your own safety, notification services must be enabled for the SafeZone app.

CQUni will set up public notification groups based on individual campus or delivery sites; initially, you will be subscribed to all locations however you can opt-in and out of receiving notifications for only those sites relevant to you.

In the event of an emergency situation, you will automatically be sent push notifications for the locations you are subscribed to. You can also request help or call for assistance by opening the App and selecting one of the available options - ‘First Aid’, ‘Help’ or ‘Emergency’. When you submit a request your location will be automatically recorded and a notification sent to CQUniversity security, the safety team or local emergency services.

How do I use SafeZone?

To use SafeZone all you need to do is download the App to your smartphone or tablet (or both) and sign-up using your CQUniversity email address.

You will automatically be subscribed to receive emergency push notifications for all campus locations and delivery sites, you can either choose to remain subscribed to all or you can opt-in to only those locations relevant to you. In the event of an emergency SafeZone will automatically send you short push notifications that will include advice and instructions about what you should do.

You can also use the App to submit a request for assistance by selecting one of three options including ‘First Aid’, ‘Help’ and ‘Emergency’. Each option is clearly represented by a ‘button’ on the App’s homepage. As soon as you do this your exact location will be tracked, even if you’re visiting a location you are not subscribed to.

If you need medical assistance, tap the FIRST AID button. Campus Security will know your location and will dispatch a qualified First Aider to assist you.

If you need assistance from Campus Security, tap the HELP button. You will be connected directly to speak with Security.

If you feel threatened or need urgent assistance, tap the Emergency button. Campus Security will know your location, try to contact you and come to your location and alert emergency services.

If you are working outside normal hours, you can CHECK-IN to share your location with Security. SafeZone will automatically Check you Out as you leave the campus boundary, or you can Check-Out manually at any time.

The University will send you push notifications if there is an emergency on campus or an impending threat such as an approaching severe storm. These will appear on your phone whether SafeZone is running or not. The message will advise if you are required to take action, and may also include a link to a web page with further information.

When should I use SafeZone?

You should use SafeZone to stay connected in an emergency situation. If there is such a situation you will receive information via the App including advice and instructions about what you should do next.

You should also use the App if you require urgent help or assistance, require first aid for yourself or someone else or if there is an emergency situation unfolding.

How will SafeZone detect where I am?

SafeZone will send push notifications based on the locations you are subscribed to. You can select which locations you wish to receive notifications for by selecting the ‘Notifications’ option in the main menu and opting in or out for each location.

The SafeZone service is also specifically configured to areas identified by CQUniversity. You can find out what these areas are by selecting ‘Regions’ from the main menu and then selecting a location to view the area map. While you are within one of these defined areas campus security will respond to your request directly or by coordinating the first-aid response or alerting emergency services.

If you are outside the defined areas the App will prompt you to dial Triple ‘0’.

Do I need to customize SafeZone?

Other than selecting the locations you wish to receive alerts for you shouldn’t need to configure the App. However, to get the most out of the SafeZone App you may wish to make sure that the following mobile device settings are activated on your smartphone or tablet:

• Location Services Enabled - you will be prompted for this when installing the App. If you need to check the Location Services settings afterwards, here are our recommendations for your phone:
  • iPhone, IPad SETTINGS / PRIVACY / LOCATION SERVICES [ON], and scroll down in the Location Services screen to the SafeZone app, make sure it's [ON].
  • Android Varies by manufacturer and model, eg Samsung Galaxy S3: SETTINGS / MORE / LOCATION SERVICES / Check all boxes (Access, GPS, WiFi) all [ON].
  • Windows Phone SETTINGS /LOCATION/toggle to [ON] and in the SafeZone App: MENU / SETTINGS / Check "Allow Location Services" box [ON].
• Notification Services Enabled - you will also be prompted for this when installing the App.If you need to check the Notification Center settings afterwards, here are our recommendations for your phone:
  • iPhone, IPad SETTINGS / NOTIFICATION CENTER scroll down in the Notification Center screen to the SafeZone app, make sure ALERT STYLE is either BANNERS or (preferably) ALERTS, and ALL other settings are [ON].
  • Android SETTINGS / MY DEVICE / BLOCKING MODE / Either all BLOCKING MODE is DISABLED, or at least Disable Notifications is UNCHECKED [OFF].
  • Windows Phone In the SafeZone App: MENU / SETTINGS / Check "Allow Notifications" box [ON].
• Wi-Fi enabled - having Wi-Fi enabled (without even being connected to a network) will significantly improve the accuracy of the location information sent by your device.
• Wi-Fi connected to the uni's network - being connected to the campus Wi-Fi will help ensure that your alert will be sent, even if your mobile service provider does not have coverage where you are on campus (or if you've run out of credit on your mobile plan).

If I get SafeZone will my privacy be protected?

SafeZone does not and cannot track your location until you send an Emergency Alarm or make a Help or First Aid call. All information that you provide as a SafeZone user is also protected by Federal and State Privacy Laws. Read about the privacy provisions on the SafeZone website.

What if I don’t have a smartphone or tablet?

The SafeZone app has been specifically created for use on mobile devices. If you don’t have a smartphone or tablet you can still contact security directly by dialling x1331 from your CQUniversity landline. In the event of an emergency, you should also dial Triple ‘0’.

Going forward CQUniversity will also be implementing other emergency notification technologies that will send emergency notifications via email, SMS and voice messages on landline phones.

What if I get a new phone or tablet?

If you get a new phone or tablet you can either sync it with a backup of your old device or alternatively, you can simply re-download the App and login using your CQUniversity staff or student email address and password. If you forget your password you can select the reset option on the sign-in screen.

Can I edit my personal and contact information?

You can update your personal details at any time from the SafeZone app menu.

A form will open with your current profile details. Simply tap on any item (Name, Phone number or photo) to edit those details then when you're finished, tap ‘Update Profile’ and you're all done.

What if I accidentally press a button?

When you tap any of the three SafeZone alert buttons, a ‘timer’ circle is shown winding down (like a clock). If you accidentally press any SafeZone Call button, you can cancel the Call by tapping the button again while the ‘timer’ is winding down. The request will be cancelled but you will still be contacted by Security to be sure that you are OK.

How will I know if my request has been submitted/ received?

After pressing any of the three call buttons, your phone will display the information shown on the left. The three icons mean:

1. Obtaining location (checked when successful)
2. Sending your request (checked when successful)
3. Awaiting Acknowledgement from Security - the text will change from ‘Alert Sent’ to ‘Alert Acknowledged’. The icon will be checked and the phone will also vibrate when this happens. This means they are about to call you (if you don't call them) and they are now responding to your request. At this point, you can call security directly by tapping the Green button or Cancel the Alert by tapping the Red button.

If you cancel your request security will still call you to check that you are OK.

I didn’t get a notification message - what happened?

It is likely that you have not activated the region that your campus is located in. to check please do the following:

1. Check the recent notifications log on the [phone to see if the message is there but wasn't noticed (on iPhone, swipe down on the top of the screen, and tap "Notifications" to see recent notifications. If the phone has received a notification recently, it will be listed there as having come from SafeZone.
2. Check in the phone's Settings to see that the Notifications are actually enabled for SafeZone app. If they are not enabled, then the phone will not accept the notifications from our message servers.
3. Check that the Notifications section under the menu bar and check that your region/campus has a green button/ blue tick next to it

My phone is automatically checking me in when on campus. Why?

This feature lets users give permission for the phone to "automatically check-in the user" when they go into a high-risk environment. The feature is in the current Android version of SafeZone but has not yet made it into the iPhone version. This feature is separate to the messaging functions and will not have had any effect on your ability to receive Notifications. You can safely leave this unchecked if you wish.

The phone that I have has been pre-set to call out either by Skype or phone. When I press the app buttons the question comes up Skype or phone. Is this part of the app?

No. This feature is not part of the app. As the phone has been pre-set to do either skype/ phone this feature is occurring on your mobile device.

When I am in the app the phone stops and searches for location and doesn’t allow me to progress into the app and use it.

It is important that both Location Services and Notifications are enabled on your phone. The app uses your location as you signing up to determine which university zones are available to you. The notifications are needed so you can receive the important messages with directions and advice during an emergency.

iPhone process is:

Location

Settings / Privacy / Location Services (ON) and then scroll down to the SafeZone setting and change this to Allow Location Access "Always"

(The app will never share your location with anyone else unless you either (a) raise an alert, or (b) Check-In for working alone/outside hours. In both of these cases, your location and personal identification will be shared to the Security team who must respond to you, and the Emergency Management Team.)

Notifications, check the following:

Settings / Notifications / Scroll down to SafeZone and turn ON all the notifications settings Allow, Sounds, Badges, Show on the lock screen. The Alert style should be either Banners or Alerts (definitely not "None". Personally, I recommend the "Alerts" setting.

Note: that if you have received a notification and missed reading it, you can now swipe down from the top of your phone screen, this will reveal all recent notifications from any enabled apps, including those from SafeZone.

Verification email not coming through for SafeZone registration

It is because the email address has been entered incorrectly.

Check and correct

open the SafeZone app, tap "Cancel" and then tap "Sign Up" again and use your CQUniversity email address you should receive the verification e-mail successfully. Your password should not be your CQUniversity password as the app is not linked to your CQUniversity login.

Checking in on windows - states that it is incompatible.

Windows operating system doesn’t allow the background feature to work and allow check-in. A Windows upgrade is not far away and this feature will be corrected when upgraded.

The minimum standard of smartphones

A smartphone should be a minimum iPhone 4s 9 (or equivalent) and support IOS6 or later. SafeZone supports any device that runs the iOS operating system from v6 onwards.

SafeZone does not support first-generation iPhone or iPhone 3G. SafeZone supports iPhone 3GS but this support will be dropped later in 2015.

Is there any training?

The OH&S team is rolling out evacuation and lockdown training over the coming months. For further information about when your training is planned please contact Sean Peckover, Manager OH&S on +61 07 4923 2802 (x2802) or s.peckover@cqu.edu.au

Having trouble finding the app on the tablet

The app store for iPads and iPhones default to support only app’s built for them. Changing the ‘iPad Only’ setting to ‘iPhone Only’ allows users to install SafeZone onto the iPad.

SafeZone sounds a really good app to keep all students and staff informed in an emergency. However, not all of the students/ staff have the means to purchase or lease mobile phones and/or tablets and the like which can download apps. Messages via stand SMS, community service radio and TV announcements are still probably the best way to inform those of us in these circumstances.

We will still be using radio announcements, email and our website as a means to communicate with staff and students in an emergency or weather event as we had recently, so don’t worry none of this will be replaced by SafeZone. The App is simply an opt-in tool that we hope will be able to enhance our existing communication channels and efforts. Likewise, we will also be adopting more solutions in the future that will enable us to send bulk SMS.

I have two mobile devices and it only allows me to check-in on one.

Even though you have started SafeZone and checked-in on one device, they cannot check-out on another device. SafeZone sees the original device as a "proxy" for the person who's checked in and they need to check out on that same device. They will be checked out as they leave the Region, and will also receive a push notification to that effect.

Where do I find out more information?

For more information please go to our instructional video or the SafeZone webpage.