VCU will conduct a full test of the emergency communications system on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m.
The full test of the system will include 10 sirens on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses along with text messages, digital signs, website information and social media that are part of a multichannel system for communicating emergency information to VCU students, employees, parents and neighbors. The test also will include emergency notification "Alertus" devices in classrooms and in residence halls. And VCU will take down its regular website, www.vcu.edu, and bring up an emergency site for the duration of the test.
The sirens will sound a fast, up-and-down wail for three minutes, and after a two-minute pause, sound a steady wail for one minute to signal "all clear" to end the test.
The Alertus devices in VCU Libraries buildings and in classrooms set off an alarm, strobe light warning and large text digital display with emergency messages.
More from VCU leadership:
The full test of the system will include 10 sirens on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses along with text messages, digital signs, website information and social media that are part of a multichannel system for communicating emergency information to VCU students, employees, parents and neighbors. The test also will include emergency notification "Alertus" devices in classrooms and in residence halls. And VCU will take down its regular website, www.vcu.edu, and bring up an emergency site for the duration of the test.
The sirens will sound a fast, up-and-down wail for three minutes, and after a two-minute pause, sound a steady wail for one minute to signal "all clear" to end the test.
The Alertus devices in VCU Libraries buildings and in classrooms set off an alarm, strobe light warning and large text digital display with emergency messages.
More from VCU leadership:
"In a real emergency, sirens will be used when it is imperative to get the attention of everyone outside of VCU buildings because an immediate, life-threatening emergency has occurred or is imminent. People outside but on campus should go to the nearest university building and seek additional information about what is happening.
The Alertus devices and other emergency communications, such as text messaging, digital signage, emails and Web communications will notify people in campus buildings. In general, when an alert is sounded, everyone should remain where they are and seek additional information about what is happening and instructions on how to respond. People off-campus should not come to campus but should seek additional information.
Text messaging is the only channel available that can provide personal communication to you wherever you have cell phone service. Text messages will be used for notifications about emergencies, but will also be used to announce closings and delays for inclement weather. There is no cost for enrolling. If you haven't done so already, I urge you to sign up for text messaging now at www.vcu.edu/alert/notify.
Emergency information also is available on the VCU Alert website at www.vcu.edu/alert (also accessible off the VCU homepage at www.vcu.edu), on digital screens in major academic buildings and all residence halls on both campuses, through emails to everyone with a VCU e-mail account, and social media - Twitter and Facebook.
Our efforts to notify you in the case of an emergency are effective only if you sign up for text messaging and refer to the VCU Alert website, Alertus devices, digital signs and other emergency communications channels. In an emergency, we also ask you to share pertinent information with those around you who might not have received an alert.
Following the test, we welcome your comments or feedback by emailing vcualert@vcu.edu.
Full tests of the VCU Emergency Communications system are conducted near the beginning of each semester. Monthly checks of the siren system, consisting of a one-minute steady wail that also recharge the siren batteries, are conducted at noon on the first Wednesday of each month.
We appreciate your participation and assistance in doing all we can do to keep VCU's campuses safe and secure."
Sincerely,
David Hanson
Vice President for Finance and Administration