Frequently asked questions

What is SafeZone?

SafeZone is the University of Newcastle’s new emergency and safety communication system. It includes a mobile app that allows users to connect directly with Campus Security and receive location-based alerts during emergencies or incidents.

Who can use SafeZone?

SafeZone is available to all members of the University community, including:

  • Staff
  • Students
  • Contractors
  • Vendors & Affiliates
  • Visitors attending University locations.

Downloading the app ensures you can receive safety alerts and quickly request assistance if needed.

What can I use SafeZone for?

SafeZone allows you to:

  • Receive real-time safety alerts relevant to your location
  • Request Emergency assistance
  • Contact Campus Security
  • Request First Aid support
  • Access wellbeing resources
  • Use the Check-In feature when working or studying alone.

What areas does SafeZone cover?

SafeZone is used across all University campuses, including teaching, research, accommodation, and public-facing facilities.

Alerts are targeted to specific locations, so you will generally only receive notifications that are relevant to where you are.

How do I download SafeZone?

SafeZone can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Once installed, you simply register using your University credentials.

The following user guides contain further instructions:

Do I have to download the SafeZone app?

Downloading the app is strongly encouraged so you can receive alerts and access assistance quickly.

However, important emergency communications may also be delivered through other channels such as email or SMS.

Does SafeZone track my location?

No. SafeZone does not track your movements.

Your location is only shared with Campus Security when you:

  • Raise an Emergency alert
  • Request First Aid
  • Activate the Check-In feature.

This ensures responders can quickly find you if assistance is required.

What information does SafeZone store and how is my privacy protected?

All information provided through SafeZone is stored in a high‑security, onshore data centre, and all data transmissions are encrypted. Under the agreement between the University and CriticalArc, the University is the data Controller for all information collected via the app. CriticalArc may only process this information on the University’s instructions and in line with all applicable privacy laws.

The manner in which the University uses personal information collected through SafeZone is consistent with the uses outlined in the University’s:

Will SafeZone replace calling Campus Security?

No. You can still contact Campus Security by phone as you normally would.

SafeZone simply provides another, faster way to get assistance, particularly in situations where speaking on the phone may not be practical. It also allows Campus Security to receive your location immediately so they can respond more quickly.

Will SafeZone replace emergency alarms or building evacuation systems?

No. SafeZone does not replace existing emergency systems such as fire alarms.

These systems remain the primary mechanism for managing building emergencies. SafeZone complements them by providing additional communication and support during incidents.

When is the appropriate time to trigger an emergency alert?

The Emergency button should be used:

  • If you feel threatened
  • If someone is threatening or has just threatened you
  • If you have been assaulted or are the victim of a robbery
  • If you are injured or require urgent medical assistance
  • If you see another person in any of the above situations who needs help.

When should I use the First Aid button?

Use the First Aid call (green button) if you, or someone else requires first aid treatment. A qualified first aid officer will be dispatched to your location to assist.

When should I use the Campus Security button?

The Campus Security button should be used:

  • If you identify a potential security concern
  • If you're on Campus and don’t feel safe
  • If you are uncomfortable making an emergency alert
  • Other scenario where Campus Security should be contacted.

Who will answer my call?

Your call will be answered by Campus Security. Wherever you are on campus, pressing the Emergency, First-Aid, or Campus Security button will connect you with someone who will be able to offer you support.

What if I accidentally press one of the alert buttons?

All alert buttons in SafeZone include a 5-second delay before the alert is sent to responders. This gives you time to cancel the alert if you press a button accidentally.

If the alert is not cancelled within that time, it will be sent to Campus Security so responders can provide assistance if needed.

If an alert is triggered unintentionally, Campus Security may still attempt to contact you to confirm that you are safe.

How long will it take responders to reach me?

Response times vary depending on your location, but Campus Security will dispatch the closest available responder. SafeZone shares your live location (only when an alert is raised) to support the fastest possible response.

Can I call 000 directly?

Certainly, if you believe you require an immediate emergency services response, it is crucial to contact them. Additionally, please inform Campus Security through SafeZone so that the team can help facilitate access for the 000 emergency responders. Campus Security will ensure a faster response by assisting with access routes that may not be known to or accessible by 000 respondents, for example bollards need to be removed or access through a secured door.

What is the Check-in feature?

The Check-In feature allows you to let Campus Security know you are on campus.

It is particularly useful if you are:

  • Working alone or in a higher-risk environment
  • Studying late
  • Moving between on campus locations after hours.

The Check-In Timer allows you to nominate a time period. If you do not check out before the timer expires, Campus Security will follow up to ensure you are safe.

Do I need to check-in as a SafeZone user?

Staff and students do not need to check-in as SafeZone users.

If you are working/studying alone or late at night, it is recommended that you use the Check-in timer feature. Use this feature to:

  • Set a pre-alarm, which will activate if it runs down and is useful if working alone, walking through campus late at night, if walking to the car late at night or entering a hazardous or volatile environment.

What if I forget to check-out?

If you forget to check out, SafeZone will automatically check you out once you leave campus.

If you are using the check-in timer, the system will send a reminder to either check out or extend your timer.

You can open the app and check out at any time.

What types of alerts will I receive?

You may receive alerts for situations such as:

  • Evacuations
  • Severe weather
  • Safety incidents affecting campus locations
  • Major disruptions that may impact campus safety.

Alerts are designed to provide clear instructions on what actions to take.

Will SafeZone send lots of notifications?

No. Safety alerts are only sent when necessary.

The University aims to ensure notifications are relevant, targeted and meaningful, using SafeZone’s location-based messaging capabilities to avoid unnecessary alerts.

Will I receive alerts for every campus?

No. SafeZone supports location-based messaging, which means you will generally only receive alerts that are relevant to your campus or location.

This helps ensure communications remain relevant and reduces unnecessary notifications.

Can SafeZone be used off campus?

Yes. SafeZone can still be used when you are away from campus.

If you are involved in University-related activities off campus—such as fieldwork, research activities, or course-related work placements—you can use the CampusSecurity button to contact Campus Security if you have a concern. The Emergency button will call through to 000.

For users travelling overseas on University business, the Emergency button will automatically connect you to the relevant emergency service in the country you are in. This ensures you can quickly access local emergency support if required.

Where can I find more information?

This webpage contains additional information and resources to help you use SafeZone, including:

  • Setup guides
  • User guides
  • Short instructional videos
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Information about privacy and how the system works.

Do contractors need SafeZone?

Contractors, tenants and vendors who regularly work on campus are strongly encouraged to download SafeZone so they can receive safety alerts and request assistance if required.

SafeZone is the University’s primary system for communicating urgent safety information, and using the app will ensure you receive alerts in real time.

How do contractor, tenants or vendors get access to SafeZone?

Instructions on how to download and register for SafeZone are available in the SafeZone User Guide.

How will contractors receive emergency alerts?

Contractors may receive emergency and safety alerts via push notifications and/or SMS to the contact details provided during their induction.

What should contractors do if they receive a SafeZone alert?

If you receive an alert:

  • Stop work where safe to do so
  • Read the message carefully
  • Follow the instructions immediately (e.g. evacuate, avoid area, shelter in place)
  • Follow directions from Emergency Wardens, Campus Security, or emergency services.

Do not assume the alert does not apply to you.

Do contractors still need to follow site-specific safety plans?

Yes.  SafeZone provides campus-wide alerts, but contractors must continue to follow:

  • Site Safety Management Plans
  • SWMS / JSA requirements
  • Permit conditions
  • Supervisor directions.

How do I use the message function?

The messaging function is available when you raise an alert in SafeZone. If you select Emergency or First Aid, you can choose to send a message to Campus Security instead of making a phone call. This allows you to communicate directly through the app.

Once the alert is raised, Campus Security can also respond to you using the same messaging feature.

Messaging is only available during an active alert and is designed to support if speaking is not practical.

What if I have a new phone?

If you are an existing user, simply download and install SafeZone and tap the icon to start the app. Sign in with your University or registered email address and password.

What if I changed my phone number or other details?

Keeping your contact details up to date ensures you can be identified and contacted quickly during an emergency.

  • Staff can update their details via MyHR
  • Students can update their details via myHub. Once logged in select the 'Personal Information' tile, then navigate to the 'Emergency Contacts' left hand side menu item.

What devices can be used for the SafeZone app?

The current version of the SafeZone app is compatible with the following devices.

Apple devices:

  • iPhone - requires iOS 12.2 or later
  • iPod Touch - requires iOS 12.2 or later
  • Apple Watch.

Available from Apple iTunes Store, opens in a new window.

Android smartphones:

  • Android phones* (Android v6+).

Available from Google Play, opens in a new window.

Be sure to have location services and Wi-Fi enabled to allow the app to work most effectively

Will the app drain my battery?

SafeZone incorporates various functionalities aimed at enhancing battery efficiency.

To minimise location polling (subject to your device's permissions), the app employs motion and activity detection.

For optimal use, most users are advised to stick with the 'default' activity profile settings.

Additionally, it's recommended to shift SafeZone to the background after check-in or when not actively in use.

Do I need to have multi-factor authentication to use SafeZone?

For staff and students, logging in requires your University credentials, but multi-factor authentication is not required for ongoing use.

What languages does SafeZone support?

SafeZone supports the following languages:

  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Dutch
  • Welsh
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • Chinese (Traditional)
  • Hindi.

To update your language preference, navigate to the language settings on your mobile device and make the necessary adjustments. Keep in mind that this modification will affect the language settings for all applications on your phone.