Newcastle uni launches new Safezone app

This week Newcastle uni, in partnership with Northumbria University and other local agencies, has made the Safezone App available to all staff and students.

Safezone is a free location-based app for smartphones that makes it easy to call for help from campus security services at any time.

The app allows you to raise three types of alerts:

• An Emergency Alert for if you or another person nearby finds their personal safety threatened or has been hurt or injured
• A First Aid Alert to call for medical assistance
• A Help Call for requesting general help – for instance if you require a safety escort after dark

The app’s homepage is easy to use

In addition to this, the app offers a check in function for if you are working alone outside of normal working hours or are entering a high risk environment.

The app only shares your location when you check in or raise an alert and stops sharing it when your issue is resolved.

Safezone also uses high-speed Push messaging so the response team can send you important notifications in case of emergency.

Shed Coulthard, Estates Security Manager at Newcastle University said: “The personal wellbeing of students and staff is our top priority and while we uphold an impeccable record on safety – in a city widely regarded as one of the safest places to study in the UK – we are always open to innovative use of technology to ensure that we continue to deliver the best possible student experience.

“While our campus is already very safe, the SafeZone app will give extra re-assurance to our students and staff. It will also help us to work closer with partners across the city and to continue providing efficient response to incidents at any scale.”

The app, created by Australian company CriticalArc Pty Ltd., is available on iOS, Android and Windows phones and can be downloaded from the app store.

This map shows the areas covered by the app in the city centre

It is supported on campus and in geo-fenced safe zones across the city.  Areas covered include all Halls of Residence, Leazes Park and Longbenton Sports Ground.

All Newcastle University staff and students have been pre-registered for the App and will have received an email earlier this week providing them with their login details.