These small yellow devices are strategically installed in residence halls, all classrooms that house more than twenty (20) students and other high-volume areas throughout campus. The devices are designed to transmit audio and visual alerts, which include protective action statements that scroll on the screen.

Most VCU supported computers provide notifications on workstations located in offices, laboratories, classrooms and study spaces throughout the university. These messages will contain protective action statements related to the event.

See example:

Digital displays are located in major academic buildings, the Student Commons and in all residential housing facilities on both campuses. The signs will display the emergency alert information that is posted to Alertus boxes and sent via text messaging.

LiveSafe is a free app for iOS and Android devices. All VCU LiveSafe users will receive a “push” message through the app containing protective action statements related to any emergency situation.

All VCU email account holders receive an email containing safety recommendations related to emergency events. If only a segment or portion of the VCU community needs to be informed, an emergency notification is sent via email to the relevant segment of the university community.

The outdoor siren system consists of multiple sirens strategically located across both campuses. Sirens on the Monroe Park Campus, VCU Medical Center Campus and VCU Police headquarters can be activated to signal that an immediate, life-threatening emergency has occurred or may be imminent. The purpose of the siren is to alert people outside buildings that there is an active threat to their safety. Outdoor sirens will never sound alone and will always be activated in conjunction with other communication methods that notify individuals about the type of emergency occurring and what actions they should take.

Alerting information will be posted to all available VCU social media integrated with Omnilert (currently the VCU Facebook page).

These messages provide short protective action statements and contain a link to www.alert.vcu.edu. VCU students, faculty and staff are automatically enrolled for VCU Alert text messaging through the mobile or cell phone number (primary) provided on the personal information page of the eServices/VCU Self Services website. Parents and community members also may sign up for the university’s text message alert system to receive information about campus emergencies and cancellations.

The majority of these text alerts are about crimes that occur off campus, but because many students, faculty and staff live in these neighborhoods, VCU feels it is important to inform the community of existing threats so that proper safety measures can be taken.

This system may be used for evacuation of a specific segment of the university community. Visit Safety and Risk Management for more information.