VCU to Conduct Test of Emergency Communications

By Anne Buckley

Virginia Commonwealth University will conduct a full test of its emergency communication systems, including 10 sirens throughout the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, at noon on Thursday, Feb. 12.

The full test will include the sirens along with text messages, digital signs, e-mails, classroom alert devices and Web site information that are part of a multi-channel system for communicating emergency information to VCU students, employees, parents and neighbors. 

The sirens, which will be audible beyond the boundaries of the two campuses, will sound a fast, up-and-down wail for three minutes, and after a one-minute pause, sound a steady wail for one minute to signal “all clear” to end the test. The alert devices in classrooms set off an alarm, strobe light warning and large text digital display with emergency messages.

In a real emergency, the communications channels can be used together or in any combination to effectively respond to specific emergency situations. Further information on the tests is available at www.vcu.edu/alert.

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 fast wail that also recharge the siren batteries, are conducted at noon on the first Wednesday of each month.