SafeZone

SafeZone is a free app-based personal safety system. It extends the reach of campus safety and security to cater to the real-time needs of the people who use the campus every day.

It provides a quick and easy way for users to alert Glasgow Caledonian University's Security team when help or assistance is needed.

What is SafeZone?

SafeZone is a free app that lets you send a location-based alert from your smartphone or tablet to Security whenever you need an immediate emergency response, first aid, or any other general help.

The SafeZone app makes it easy for students and staff to get help with a single tap of a button. Within seconds, Security will receive an alert and initiate a response.

Download SafeZone

Download for Apple

Download for Android

How SafeZone works

SafeZone has three main buttons that can be used to request assistance from Security.

First aid

If you or someone near you needs medical assistance.

Tap the First Aid button to send your alert to Security. If you've pressed it by mistake, the alert can be cancelled by tapping the button again while the timer is winding down. Once the alert is sent, your location will be displayed on a map for Security to see.

You should try to explain what help you need, and - if practical - confirm your location. A first aider will then come to your location to provide first aid. You may still need to identify yourself when they arrive. If required, they'll call an ambulance, You should not do this yourself.

Help

For general non-emergency enquiries or support.

Tapping the Help button will connect you via a phone call directly to the University Reception, where a member of staff will be able to assist with your query.

Emergency

If you or someone near you requires an immediate emergency response because you feel your personal safety is threatened.

Tap the Emergency button to send your alert to Security. If pressed in error, the alert can be cancelled by tapping the button again while the timer is winding down. Once the alert is sent, your location will be displayed on a map for Security to see.

You'll then get the option to call Security. If you don't do this, a Security Officer will call you so that they can determine how best to respond to your location and situation. The Security Officer will talk to you about what's happening. You should try to explain what help you need, and - if practical - confirm your location. A Security Officer will then come to your location and assess the situation. You may still need to identify yourself when they arrive.

SafeZone features

Manual check-in

If you're working alone, outside normal hours, or are entering a high-risk work environment, SafeZone allows you to check in to share your location with Security. The icon will change to a 'checked' icon, and you'll receive a confirmation message that you've been checked in.

If you do this, your location and ID will be displayed on a map for Security to see for the duration of your check-in session.

SafeZone will automatically finish your session as you leave the region boundary, or you can check out again at any time by tapping the button again.

Check-in timer

You can also set a check-in timer, which checks you in the same way as manual check-in and then starts a countdown timer to cover the duration of your work session.

The timer will count down to zero, starting from your nominated time. At any time, you can tap the timer to cancel or reset the time, and you can also check out.

You'll receive a warning push message when the timer is at five minutes to go, when you can reset the time, cancel the timer, or check out.

If the timer expires, SafeZone will raise an alert, showing your location and ID on a map to Security, who'll then attend your location to ensure that you are OK.

Automatic check-in

With your permission, your phone can be set to check you in whenever you move into a specially designated region on campus. Subject to you granting auto check-in permission, your phone will check you in or out, based on your current location.

The location is updated at a low frequency to minimise battery impact. Auto check-in doesn't require SafeZone to be running, as your check-in status is managed by the phone’s operating system. You can disable this feature at any time, which will stop the phone performing location checks.

If you've activated the automatic check-ins option, you'll receive a push notification each time your phone checks you in as you enter compatible regions.
The check-in function sends location updates about every five minutes, so as not to have any significant impact on your battery usage.
A single check-in session can last for up to 12 hours.
You must have been signed in to SafeZone and not signed out. The app can be in background, or completely 'killed'.
Auto check-in will keep working until you return to the settings screen and disable 'allow automatic check-in', which you can do at any time.

Technical support

To ensure you get the maximum benefit from using the SafeZone app, check the following:

Using SafeZone off campus and travelling

If you activate your SafeZone app away from Glasgow Caledonian campuses, anywhere in the world, you'll automatically be directed to the local emergency services (999 equivalent) where you are.

Using SafeZone to contact local emergency services when outside of a Glasgow Caledonian campus area will also notify Glasgow Caledonian Security, who'll contact you to see if you need any additional support from the University.

Support and suggestions

All feedback, including suggestions for enhancements, questions and support requests should be directed to Glasgow Caledonian University Estates and Facilities team on +44 (0) 141 331 3999 or FacilitiesHelp@gcu.ac.uk