Emergency Notifications
CU Alerts
Emergency notifications, known as CU Alerts, are sent via email, text and other methods to warn the University community of imminent threats or disruptions to campus services, such as class cancellations. Alerts are only sent when there is a potential threat to safety or a major disruption to campus services, and for monthly tests.
Primary Alert Methods
Text Messages
Clemson University students, faculty and staff who add their phone number to their my.Clemson profile will receive CU Alert text messages. Both emergency notifications and timely warnings (in accordance with the Clery Act) will be sent via text message.
All @clemson.edu email addresses automatically receive CU Alerts. Both emergency notifications and timely warnings (in accordance with the Clery Act) will be sent via email.
Members of the community can receive CU Alerts by following Clemson University Public Safety on Facebook. This account also provides safety information throughout the year and highlights the work of Public Safety at Clemson University.
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Members of the community can receive CU Alerts by following @ClemsonSafety on X. This account also provides safety information throughout the year and shares related safety content from a variety of credible sources.
Additional Alert Methods
Desktop Notifications
Clemson University students are encouraged to download Alertus Desktop on their laptops to receive CU Alert desktop pop-ups. Desktop notifications are designed to be sent when immediate action must be taken. Not all CU Alerts will trigger a desktop notification.
Website
Members of the community can view CU Alerts on the Clemson University website at alerts.clemson.edu. This site provides updated information during an incident or emergency and has an archive of past emergency notifications and timely warnings.
Outdoor Sirens
Clemson University’s main campus has outdoor warning sirens to alert individuals who are outside of certain imminent threats. When the sirens sound, listen for the announced instructions and take the appropriate action.
Account Management
How to Sign Up for Text Alerts
To receive text message alerts:
- Log in to profile.app.Clemson.edu
- Click on Phone Numbers
- Under “Cell Phone” click on Edit
- Add your phone number or edit the number shown and click Save
- Ensure that alerts are enabled
- Text that reads "CU Alerts are Enabled" should appear below your phone number
Add Additional Email Addresses or Phone Numbers
Visit getrave.com/login/clemson
- If this is your first time, click “Register” in the top corner and use your @clemson.edu email address to sign up.
- If this is not your first time logging in, enter your @clemson.edu email address and your Rave password.
- Click on the “My Account” tab to edit your Mobile Contacts and add or update additional phone numbers or email addresses that you want to receive CU Alerts.
Students, faculty and staff can add parents, guardians, spouses, loved ones, etc. using this method.
Monthly and Quarterly Tests
CU Alerts & Outdoor Sirens
CU Alerts are tested monthly on the second Wednesday of every month at 11:50 a.m. The test includes text messages, emails, social media posts, desktop notifications and digital signage.
Clemson University's outdoor warning sirens are tested quarterly on the second Wednesday of each quarter at 11:50 a.m., aligning with CU Alerts tests and Oconee Nuclear Station (ONS) siren tests.
ONS Warning Sirens
Oconee Nuclear Station (ONS) uses outdoor warning sirens, some of which are located on and near main campus, to alert the public of an emergency at ONS.
These sirens are tested quarterly on the second Wednesday of each quarter at 11:50 a.m. The final quarterly ONS siren test of the year is a full, three-minute test.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can receive CU Alerts?
All Clemson University students, faculty and staff with a CU ID can receive CU Alerts. All @clemson.edu email addresses will automatically receive CU Alerts. All students, faculty and staff who add their phone number to their my.Clemson profile will receive text message alerts as well.
Students, faculty and staff can add additional phone numbers or email addresses to their account by logging into getrave.com/login/clemson, clicking on the “My Account” tab and adding the desired phone number(s) and/or email address.
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How do I sign up for CU Alert text messages?
To sign up to receive text message alerts:
- Log in to profile.app.Clemson.edu
- Click on Phone Numbers
- Under “Cell Phone” click on Edit
- Add your phone number or edit the number shown and click Save
- Ensure that alerts are enabled
- Text that reads "CU Alerts are Enabled" should appear below your phone number
- Log in to profile.app.Clemson.edu
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How do I add additional phone numbers or email addresses?
Visit getrave.com/login/clemson
- If this is your first time, click “Register” in the top corner and use your @clemson.edu email address to sign up.
- If this is not your first time logging in, enter your @clemson.edu email address and your Rave password.
- Click on the “My Account” tab to edit your Mobile Contacts and add or update additional phone numbers or email addresses that you want to receive CU Alerts.
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I am a family member of a Clemson University Student, how can I receive alerts?
To receive CU Alerts, your student can add your contact information by logging into getrave.com/login/clemson, clicking on the “My Account” tab and adding your phone number(s) and/or email address.
You can also view CU Alerts on the alerts.clemson.edu page, or on Clemson University Public Safety’s social media accounts @ClemsonSafety on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
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I am not a Clemson University student or employee. How can I view alerts?
You can view CU Alerts on the alerts.clemson.edu page, or on Clemson University Public Safety’s social media accounts @ClemsonSafety on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
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Why should I add my cell phone number to receive alerts?
Emergencies can occur with little to no warning. When seconds matter, receiving CU Alerts via text messaging is often the fastest way to receive potentially life-saving notifications.
Alerts are only sent when there is a potential threat to safety or a major disruption to campus services and for monthly tests.
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Will my cell phone number be kept confidential?
Yes. Numbers entered into CU Alerts are only used for emergencies and tests, they are never shared or sold.
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Can I opt-out of receiving alerts via my @clemson.edu email?
You can opt out of text message alerts, but cannot opt out of receiving email alerts. This ensures all members of the University community can receive emergency notifications and timely warnings.
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How often are CU Alerts and the warning sirens tested?
CU Alerts are tested monthly on the second Wednesday of each month at 11:50 a.m. This test includes emails, text messages, desktop alerts, social media and digital signage.
Clemson University and Oconee Nuclear Station outdoor warning sirens are tested quarterly on the second Wednesday of each quarter at 11:50 a.m.
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How do I learn about safety situations that may affect me at locations other than main campus?
CU Alerts are available for Clemson University locations throughout the state.
Additionally, you can visit your local county’s Emergency Management website for information on how to sign up for local alerts.
Consider purchasing NOAA Weather Radios for your home and work. These radios broadcast official weather warnings, watches, and forecasts, along with certain non-weather emergencies.
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Who can I contact with more questions about CU Alerts?
