Lancaster Alerts
51ÉçÇø is open.
In the event of an emerging or imminent campus emergency, the University community is encouraged to visit ohio.edu/alert for the most up-to-date information and guidance. Active alerts for any OHIO campus will be highlighted next to the campus/center; users can click on the appropriate campus name to view additional details.
OHIO Alert Classifications
OHIO Alerts deliver timely, important information in the event of a campus incident or emergency; each Alert is color-coded to indicate a situation’s anticipated impact on the University community — GREEN for general information related to campus safety and/or operations, YELLOW for urgent campus situations that pose an emerging risk to campus safety and/or routine operations and RED for critical campus incidents that require immediate action.
Informational
Provides general or routine campus safety and/or operational updates; unlikely to require action by the University community.
Urgent
Provides information regarding an emerging situation that could negatively impact campus safety and/or normal operations; may include University instructions and/or suggested action steps.
Critical
Utilized in the event of an imminent campus threat or emergency that will impact the life, health and safety of the University community; requires immediate community attention and action.
Stay Current. Remain Informed.
All OHIO students, faculty and staff are automatically signed up for alerts based on the mobile phone number provided to the University. Help us ensure that OHIO is able to share timely emergency updates with you by taking a moment to review your contact information.
OHIO Alert Notifications
The following methods of communication are available across OHIO and can be utilized in the event of a campus emergency. It is important to note that emergency situations are often different and unique – not every method will be utilized in every instance.
Web
OHIO’s Alert webpage () is the University’s primary method for sharing information with the University community during a potential or developing life, health and/or safety situation at one or more of OHIO’s campus locations. OHIO Alerts are color-coded, and an informational banner may appear across the top of relevant webpages depending on the nature of the emergency.
Text Message
In the event of an identified urgent or critical alert, OHIO will share important information and/or guidance with the University community directly to their cellular phone numbers. Updates may be sent as needed while a situation evolves. Visit for the most up-to-date information.
In the event of an identified urgent or critical alert, OHIO will share important information and/or guidance with the University community via their @ohio.edu email addresses. Updates may be sent as needed while a situation evolves. Visit for the most up-to-date information.
Social Media
Following communication through the University’s primary channels (web, text and email), 51ÉçÇø may communicate through its official social media channels, primarily via and , during a potential or ongoing critical incident.
Outdoor Emergency Notification System (Siren/PA system)
Each of OHIO’s campuses is equipped with an outdoor emergency notification system (audible siren/PA), that may be used to notify the campus community of weather-related situations or other emergencies as deemed necessary by the university. An audible educational test of the outdoor emergency notification system occurs each academic semester.
Digital Signage
51ÉçÇø may share critical incident communications via the digital display systems that are prominently installed in many academic, departmental and residential buildings across the Athens campus and many buildings on our regional campuses.
Non-tech Methods
When needed, the University may also utilize non-technical means of communication, including: on-the-ground notifications teams, outdoor bullhorns, printed alerts and more.