Timely Warnings/Crime Alerts

Keeping Our Community Informed

DePauw University is committed to keeping our community informed about safety concerns. A Timely Warning is issued when incidents of criminal activity—specifically those listed in our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report—occur on or near campus and are considered a continuing threat.

The goal of a Timely Warning is to help individuals protect themselves and to prevent similar incidents from occurring. These warnings are distributed as soon as pertinent information becomes available.

Timely Warnings vs. Emergency Notifications

While both communication tools keep the community informed, they serve different purposes:

• Timely Warnings notify the community about non-imminent threats or ongoing crime trends.

• Emergency Notifications are reserved for imminent threats to health or safety.

Both are distributed through multiple communication channels, but SMS text messages are reserved exclusively for Emergency Notifications through the Rave Alert System.

Sources of Information

Information prompting a Timely Warning or Emergency Notification may come from:

• Reports made to the DePauw Police Department

• Local law enforcement agencies

• The Putnam County 911 Center

Rave Alert System Enrollment

• Students are automatically enrolled in the Rave Alert™ system.

• Faculty and staff may opt in by visiting their employee profile on e-Services, selecting “Edit Your Profile”, scrolling to the bottom of the page, and checking “Opt-In” to receive Emergency SMS alerts. Be sure to include your cell phone number.

Tornado and Weather Warnings

If a tornado is approaching, the Putnam County 911 Center will activate the warning sirens and send a text alert.

• Siren tests occur on the first Friday of each month at 11 a.m.

• If inclement weather prevents testing, it will be rescheduled for the second Friday of the month.