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University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Launches New Emergency Communications System

  • By Matt Jones
  • 02/12/26

Key Takeaways

  • The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has launched Safe@UTC, a new emergency notification and incident management app developed in partnership with 911Cellular to enhance campus safety.
  • The app features tools such as a one-touch panic button, suspicious activity reporting, Safe Walk monitoring, SafeRide requests, and targeted emergency alerts with real-time location updates.
  • In addition to the app, UTC is installing wall-mounted, computer-based, and wearable panic buttons that integrate with a centralized security system to improve emergency response and prevention efforts.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) recently deployed a new emergency notification and incident management system for its campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with 911Cellular to launch Safe@UTC, a smartphone app allowing university officials to communicate and respond during emergency situations. It also provides students, faculty, and staff with a variety of safety resources.

The apps functionalities include a one-touch panic button that connects users with university police, the ability to report suspicious behavior, remotely monitored Safe Walks, the ability to request a SafeRide, and easy access to other campus resources, according to the news release.

“With the implementation of 911Cellular and the launch of the Safe@UTC app, we have taken our campus safety commitment to the next level,” said Brett Fuchs, UTC Director of Emergency Management, Threat Assessment, and Safety. “Keeping our community safe is a top priority at UTC. We now have a sophisticated security solution that enhances our ability to respond to emergencies and another tool to help prevent them in the first place.”

UTC is also installing on-campus safety options like wall-mounted, computer-based, and wearable panic buttons that connect to the central campus security system, the news release reports. On the emergency response end, the system offers real-time situation updates including location details and shared maps. The app also sends incident-specific alerts to the most suitable response teams.

“The Safe@UTC app is a customized security solution designed specifically with the UTC community in mind,” said Chad Salahshour, CEO of 911Cellular. “Keeping students and school staff safe is at the heart of what we do, and it’s our mission to make it easier to act fast, communicate clearly and protect what matters most during an emergency—each other.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

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