Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
7.4 Emergency Notification System
7.4.4 Message Content (Revised: 11/3/25 )
A. Pre-scripted, approved messages for em ergencies most likely to occur, based upon the
University’ s Hazard Vulnerability Assessment, are to be used when ever possible.
1. If pre -scripted messages do not apply to the emergency situation, message content
is to be determined by the Chief of Police , Executive Director UCSF Enterprise
Emergency Management, or other authorized individual .
2. Whenever possible, University Public Aff airs or the PIO should be consulted on
message content. If a delay in reaching Public Affairs may jeopardize life or
safety, the Chief of Police, Executive Director UCSF Enterprise Emergency
Management, or other authorized individual m ay determine the message content
to expedite the delivery of the emergency communications .
B. Emergency communications need to be delivered in a text message -compatible format to
ensure the most expedient delivery of the message , including telecommunicati ons. Text
messages are to be formatte d to not exceed 160 characters .
C. Emergency and urgent communications shall minimally contain the following
information:
1. A subject line with the first word indicating the type of communication (i.e.,
"EMERGENCY" or "URGENT")
2. Type of incident
3. Location of incident
4. Immediate action required
5. Additional detail necessary to preserve safety and security
6. Website or contact information for additional information regarding the incident.
D. Informational communications, including follow -up communications, shall minimally
contain the following:
1. A subject line with th e first word stating "IMPORTANT "
2. Date and time of update
3. Current situation status
4. Continued action (if any) required
5. Website or contact information for additional information regarding the incident.
E. Informational communications sent at the conclusion of an event shall minimally c ontain
the following:
1. Date and time of a ll-clear notice (if applicable)
2. Actions required to resume normal campus operations
3. Explanation of resolution/conclusion of the incident
4. Where to get disaster aid
5. Website or contact information for additional information regarding the incident.