Hand hold up a phone with the SafeZone app on the screen.

About SafeZone

SafeZone is rapidly becoming the most widely used and trusted technology of its kind, transforming personal safety and security for organizations and individuals in sectors including higher education, healthcare, government, and industry. Through real-time coordination and response, organizations are empowered to respond faster and more effectively to incidents of any scale.

What does the SafeZone App Provide?

To enhance safety and security for the university community, Tarleton State will be implementing CriticalArc’s SafeZone solutions this spring.

Faculty, staff and students will be able to utilize the free SafeZone mobile app where users can call for help, share their location, get connected with mental health professionals and receive alerts through push notifications.

The app will also offer real-time tracking of shuttle bus locations to minimize time that a rider has to wait at bus stops for the City and Rural Rides buses.

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Download the Safezone App!

SafeZone is available for download on mobile devices in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once in the app, users will enter their Tarleton State email and password through Single Sign On. Additional prompts will follow.

Texan Alert FAQ

What makes Texan Alert different than Code Purple?

Texan Alert is the primary system — the master brand — for safety communication at Tarleton State. Code Purple is a sub-brand and will continue to be used for the most critical alerts. This is similar to Google, which is the master brand and Gmail, Drive, Maps, etc. that are the sub-brands. 

What kind of communications can I expect?

Texan Alert can send emails, text messages and push notifications through the mobile application to notify you of different levels of messaging. Code Purple messages will continue to be sent using this platform for the most critical alerts that require immediate action.

Your account has been setup under a specific group, and you will receive notifications related to that group (typically your campus). You can subscribe to additional groups through the application.

Am I already pre-registered?

Yes! Tarleton State has loaded your information into the Texan Alert system.

  • Students: Your name, go.tarleton.edu email and mobile phone number (if provided) were imported from Banner.
  • Employees: Your name and Tarleton State email were imported from Workday. To receive text messages, please download the application for your phone from the appropriate mobile app store (iOS or Android). Once you’ve downloaded the app, follow the guide for mobile login and account setup.

To complete your registration, download the app, verify your information, choose a photo to upload* and complete signup. SafeZone is a safety application designed to protect you in campus emergencies. Your information is used solely for this purpose.

*Adding a photo helps police quickly identify and locate you in an emergency.

If you are prompted to set up a password during registration, please contact texanalertsupport@tarleton.edu for our team to assist you further.

I want to receive text messages. How do I add my phone number to my account?

Please download the application for your phone from the appropriate mobile app store (iOS or Android).  Once you’ve downloaded the app, follow the guide for mobile login and account setup.

Note: If you get a new phone in the future, you will need to download the app again. If your number changes, you will need to update your account at that time.

I’m an on-campus employee. How can I access SafeZone on my computer?

Ensure the SafeZone desktop application is installed on your device, then follow the SafeZone desktop application guide to complete setup. This application works best on desktop computers. For users with laptops, we recommend using the mobile app due to its mobility.

Using the SafeZone App:

Who can use the app?

The app is free and available to all Tarleton State faculty, staff and students. The app can be used by all users who have active Tarleton State network accounts and passwords.

When will SafeZone be available to me?

  • April 2: Faculty, staff and existing users
  • April 15: Stephenville campus enrolled freshman and sophomore students
  • April 17: Stephenville campus enrolled junior and senior students
  • April 22: Fort Worth campus enrolled undergraduate students
  • April 24: All enrolled graduate students

Do I really need the app? What happens if I delete it after registering?

The app offers more than just notifications — it provides important safety features that can assist you in various situations, including emergencies. To access these features, you’ll need to keep the app installed on your phone.

What if I do not have a smartphone?

Please email texanalertsupport@tarleton.edu and request your phone number be added to your account.

Note: If you get a new phone number in the future, you will need to request an update on your account.

What settings should I enable for the app to work properly?

During installation and setup, the app will prompt you to adjust certain settings on your phone. These settings are essential to ensure the app functions properly in emergencies or when you need assistance.

SafeZone does not track your location; it only uses location services if you activate one of the help buttons. For the best accuracy, ensure your phone has an internet connection via WiFi or mobile data, as location services work best when WiFi is enabled.

We also recommend reviewing the “What are the recommended settings for my phone?” or “Why do I need to ‘Always Allow Access’ to location to be able to check in?” section(s) on the SafeZone FAQ page for further guidance.

Are the app features available off campus?

The app is set up to work on the Stephenville and Fort Worth campuses to notify Tarleton State’s University Police Department. The functionality for the app will extend beyond the Tarleton State campus as well to ensure that users are always protected. If you are off campus, the notification may go to a local 911 provider.

The application will also be used internationally for study abroad trips.

Will I be tracked all the time?

No. The application only shares your location when one of the alert buttons is activated or you choose to check in.

I visit multiple campuses, how do see the others?

When you log on, you can select additional groups (campuses) that you want to be included on for notifications. You can select all campus locations. Your phone location services will enable the app to locate you on campus if you have an emergency to direct first responders to your location.

How does the check-in feature work?

By checking in, users can share their location for virtual escorts or safety monitoring.

When should I use the red emergency button?

If you or a person nearby are in a situation where personal safety is threatened and/or someone is hurt/injured.

What if I accidentally press an alert button?

Each alert button will initiate a countdown timer that can be canceled by pressing the button a second time. If you cannot cancel before the alert is initiated, you can still cancel the request; however, as a precaution to ensure your safety, you will be contacted by the University Police Department.

What features are available in the app to help with mental health?

Select the “Mental Health Help” button to access mental health and well-being tools, including access to counseling services on demand through the TELUS Health Student Support app or to set up an appointment with a Student Counseling Services clinician.

How can a parent or family member receive notifications?

As of April 2025, the application is available to individuals who have active Tarleton State network accounts and passwords.

We recognize parents and family members may want to receive Texan Alert notifications. Development is underway to automatically send these notifications to the Parent Portal. 

How can a third-party vendor receive notifications?

Tarleton State Campus Operations and the Office of Innovative Technology Solutions are working with key vendors to add information which would enable notifications to the vendor’s email system. This would include mobile phones for vendor personnel.

Troubleshooting:

How can I receive help installing or using the application?

If you are having issues installing the application or using the application, please contact our shared email and include your name and a contact number. Our support team will contact you and work with you to resolve the issues texanalertsupport@tarleton.edu.

How do I get help logging on to the app?

If you are having trouble logging on to the app, the Office of Innovative Technology Solutions team may need to assist you. Please contact the Service Desk at helpdesk@tarleton.edu or call 254-968-9885.

Additional information is available at https://safezoneapp.com/faqs/