University launches new campus safety app

(August 25, 2015)—Carson-Newman University is living up to its commitment to campus safety by launching an app to foster better communication between campus security and students, faculty and staff.

The LiveSafe app will allow for a faster response and two-way communication if an emergency were to arise. It will replace the E2 Campus Alert system.

“LiveSafe allows students to take charge of their own safety,” says Carson-Newman Director of Safety and Security Steven Lake. “It allows me to get a message out more quickly and concisely, and students can respond. That’s a huge leap forward. ”

Through the app, students, faculty and staff can call 911, send their location to campus security in an emergency, anonymously report suspicious activity, receive real-time public safety and severe weather alerts and more.

A group function within the app allows students to create a group of friends who can see their location. If they feel uneasy walking at night or during a weather event, they can let their friends track their movements and how long it takes to reach their destination.

“I’ve always felt safe on Carson-Newman’s campus and I think that’s partially because it is a small campus and I’ve always known campus security is there,” says senior accounting major Sara Fairly. “But things happen, and it’s really cool that I can contact them directly through the app just in case.”

More than 600 people have downloaded and signed in with the app so far. About 400 had signed up prior to the first day of classes.

Lake says there is no limit to how many people or who can download the app. Students’ families can download it from anywhere to keep track of what is happening on campus anytime.

The LiveSafe team will be on campus later in the fall working to raise awareness about the app. They will host activities and giveaways for students.

Carson-Newman joins other schools including Arizona State University, Georgetown University and Virginia Tech in implementing the LiveSafe App on campus.

The LiveSafe App is available in Apple’s App Store and Google Play.