There is no single communication method capable of reaching 100% of the campus community 100% of the time. To maximize the ability of reaching the largest possible percentage of people on campus, Binghamton University utilizes multiple methods of communicating emergency information. Available techniques for communicating critical information include the following methods:
Text messaging
Text messaging allows emergency messages to be sent directly to your mobile device. Emergency text messages will not be delivered to people who have not registered for this service.
To receive text alerts, users must provide a valid cellular telephone number capable of receiving text messages. Binghamton University uses an automated process that "forces" individuals to provide a cellular number or to decline to participate in the service. This automated system is linked with the BU BRAIN academic portal and the process occurs at the beginning of every academic semester.
Registration is also available to all students, staff and faculty at the Rave Wireless portal.
Email messaging
Email messages are automatically delivered to all binghamton.edu email addresses. Individuals (e.g. family members) without a binghamton.edu email may only receive the email message if their email address is entered into one of the available three email entries of somene with a B-Alert account (e.g. student, staff or faculty member).
SafeBing Mobile Safety App (COMING IN JANUARY 2025!)
Downloading this app to any smartphone will allow the recipient to receive the same content our students receive in an emergency text message.
To download and use the app:
- Visit the appropriate App Store for your mobile device's operating system.
- Search for and download "SafeBing" (the app icon is shown above).
You may install the app on as many devices as you like. You may delete the app any time you wish to stop receiving alerts.
Alertus Desktop Notification
The Alertus desktop application allows computers connected to a Binghamton University network to immediately display emergency alerts from Binghamton University. See the Alertus Desktop Alerts page for additional information.
Outdoor siren
Binghamton University operates an outdoor siren capable of being heard from all outdoor spaces on the Vestal campus. See Outdoor Siren procedures for additional information.
Electronic LED message boards and TV screens
The University manages a series of electronic message boards and TV screens that are placed at various locations throughout the campus. Common locations for these types of signs include the entrances to campus as well as dining facilities. These boards may be quickly ‘captured’ and programmed to display emergency messages whenever necessary.
University website Alert Page
The Binghamton University Alert page is the official site for all emergency communications at Binghamton University. This page will contain important information regarding critical incidents.
University email listservs (i.e. B-Line and Dateline )
The University manages several listservs that may be utilized during emergency incidents. B-Line is the official listserv for students and Dateline is the official listserv for staff and faculty. The listservs may be utilized to provide updates and critical information during emergency situations.
Social Media
Students, staff and faculty can learn the latest emergency information by following the University on social media.
- Facebook: facebook.com/binghamtonu
- Twitter: twitter.com/binghamtonu
- Instagram: instagram.com/binghamtonu/
Campus and local television and radio
Binghamton University will continue to work with traditional media outlets to distribute information regarding emergency events and weather cancellations.
Mobile public address systems (vehicle mounted)
Emergency vehicles on the Binghamton University campus are equipped with public address systems which may be utilized to convey emergency messages when other methods may not be available or appropriate.
See the Binghamton University Emergency Alert Policies and Procedures document for details regarding the use of these emergency communication methods.
