SafeZone
Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/it-services/tools/safezone/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/students/support/student-support-team/
SafeZone is a personal security application that gives you 24/7 access to the University's Campus Safety team.
When an incident occurs you can use the app to send a geo-located alert to the Campus Safety team. If you find yourself working alone you can choose to 'check in' which will allow the Campus Safety team to more quickly identify where you are and support you more quickly.
Key features
- Emergency call: if your personal safety or that of others is (or has been) threatened.
- First aid call: if you or others require medical aid.
- Help desk: for non-urgent support on campus.
- Lone working: alert campus safety that you’re working alone outside office hours.
- We recommend you install the desktop app on University devices. If you are alone and need help, you can use it to call support even when you are unable to use a mobile phone.
- Geo-location: when you request assistance, your location will be shared to help our responding officers find you. If you are outside of campus boundaries, the app will tell you and offer you a connection to 999 for emergency services.
- Report emergencies abroad: The app lets you connect with local emergency services and automatically notifies the University.
- UoY international travel flow (PDF
Access instructions
Get the app:
- Mobile: get it from Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS).
- Desktop:
- University managed devices: get it from the Software Center (Windows) or Self Service (Mac).
- Other devices: download the SafeZone Desktop installation file.
Once you've installed the app:
- Register an account using your University email address.
- Upload a photo and relevant information such as medical conditions or mobility limitations helps us identify and assist you more effectively.
Related tools
Available to staff and students
Students and staff can use this service on personal devices. Staff can also use it on University-managed devices.
App-based
The desktop app is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. The mobile app is compatible with Android and iOS.
Free to use
This service is free to use.
Access instructions
Get the app:
- Mobile: get it from Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS).
- Desktop:
- University managed devices: get it from the Software Center (Windows) or Self Service (Mac).
- Other devices: download the SafeZone Desktop installation file.
Once you've installed the app:
- Register an account using your University email address.
- Upload a photo and relevant information such as medical conditions or mobility limitations helps us identify and assist you more effectively.
Related tools
Guides and help
How-to guides and set up
- Installing SafeZone (safezoneapp.com)
- Raising alerts (safezoneapp.com)
- Checking in (safezoneapp.com)
Training and best practice
Find out more about the SafeZone app and how to use it by watching our short video:
Contact for support
Contact the SafeZone support team at support@criticalarc.com if you:
- have any problems with the app
- change your phone number
- have other account details that need changing.
Service commitments
Your responsibilities and policies
You must email support@criticalarc.com if you are changing your phone number or other account details on the SafeZone app.
The following policies apply to all IT services provided by the University.
Service performance
Availability
- This is a live service, available 24/7.
Support
- This service is managed by a third party.
- They are responsible for monitoring, identifying and fixing faults. We provide advice and support for local issues during our opening hours.
Campus Safety provide support for local issues.
Standards
- Our service performance and standards have been produced in consultation with our customers. We regularly monitor the delivery, performance and availability of facilities and services.
Feedback and complaints
We appreciate feedback as it helps us review and continually improve our service.
Page last reviewed: 23 December 2025