Virginia Tech will conduct a full-scale test of its VT Alerts emergency notification system on Feb. 22 at all university facilities across Virginia. The test occurs between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. During the test, there will also be outdoor sirens with annunciators on the Blacksburg campus.

Prior to the Feb. 22 test, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the following VT Alerts frequently asked questions.

Virginia Tech strives to enhance safety and security for all those who learn and work at the university. Providing the university community with timely access to critical safety and crime information is just one example of how Virginia Tech achieves this mission. It is also required under the Clery Act.

VT Alerts is used to communicate critical information with the Virginia Tech community in the event of an emergency on or near Virginia Tech campus locations. VT Alerts are issued when there is a need for community members to take immediate protective action from an immediate threat to the safety or health of the university community; during university closures; or during system-wide tests in the fall and spring semesters.

When a VT Alert is sent out, information is distributed to the community over several channels and platforms, including text messages, phone calls, emails, vt.edu, the Virginia Tech status page, and social media updates. In addition, on the Blacksburg campus, fire alarm annunciators, electronic message boards, emails to vt.edu email addresses, desktop alerts, and outdoor sirens are used. Family members of Virginia Tech students and employees who subscribe to VT Alerts will receive text messages.

VT Alerts use multiple channels across multiple platforms to provide intentional redundancy in messaging. VT Alerts are issued when a dangerous or threatening situation is confirmed, and there is a need to take immediate action. The time it takes for a person to receive a VT Alert message is determined by several factors, including the time to report and confirm an incident, the means by which you receive it (i.e., channel), your personal device settings and network connection, your location, and the total volume of messages per channel. This is why multiple channels are used. The majority of text messages, message boards, and fire alarm annunciators are delivered within a minute or two, and official social media accounts will post the message in seconds. Phone calls and emails can take longer. Use of multiple channels helps people receive critical information more quickly.

VT Alerts include a regional identifier to assist subscribers in differentiating messages based on location. Available regions and their associated regional identifiers (3-letter codes) include:

The Virginia Tech Police Department, University Relations, Virginia Tech Emergency Management, and other university administrators are authorized to initiate VT Alerts.

In the event of an actual emergency, individuals should be aware of their surroundings and take immediate responsibility for their personal safety and security. 

Initial VT Alerts messages will:

Subsequent VT Alerts messages will:

Detailed information, when available, will also be posted to the university status page.

When it is necessary to secure-in-place, you will be the safest by placing a locked door or another barricade between you and the associated violence or danger.

If there is any doubt about the safety of the individuals inside the room or building, the area needs to remain secure. Allowing someone to enter a secure location may endanger you and others. Use good judgment. If there are individuals outside the secured door who wish to get in, several factors should be considered to determine if it is safe.

If the decision is made to let a person in, consider the following:

Remember, always use good judgment. There are exceptions to all guidance and prescribed directions.

Shelter-in-place events are usually weather-related emergencies. When it is necessary to shelter-in-place, you will be safest by moving inside to a building space that protects you from danger. Do not lock doors behind you as others may also need to shelter-in-place.

During a tornado, seek shelter on the lowest level possible. If warranted, consider crouching near the floor and seeking additional shelter under a sturdy desk or table, or cover your head with your hands.

Remember, always use good judgment. There are exceptions to all guidance and prescribed directions.

While the university aims to deliver VT Alerts every 30 minutes during emergencies, alerts may be deployed more or less frequently depending on the circumstances.

Individuals may subscribe to VT Alerts or update their account by visiting the VT Alerts website. Those with a Virginia Tech PID will automatically receive VT Alerts via their vt.edu email.

Those with a Virginia Tech PID will automatically receive VT Alerts via their vt.edu email. To also receive via cellphone (text or voice message), landline, or a non-Virginia Tech email address, students and employees can subscribe here.

Parents, family members, friends, vendors, contractors, and community members can subscribe to VT Alerts via cellphone:

All visitors to the Virginia Tech Blacksburg campus are able to subscribe to receive real-time VT Alerts via cellphone to stay informed about Blacksburg campus emergencies. To subscribe:

Do I need to resubscribe each year? How often should I confirm my contact information is up-to-date?

Are Virginia Tech students and employees automatically signed up to receive VT Alerts?

Those with a Virginia Tech PID will automatically receive VT Alerts via their vt.edu email. To also receive via cellphone (text or voice message), landline, or a non-Virginia Tech email address, students and employees can subscribe here.

Individuals who have subscribed to receive alerts, but do not receive an alert during a test or emergency, should first log in to verify that their record is correct and then contact 4Help at 540-231-HELP (4357).

All VT Alerts subscribers should expect to receive duplicate messages. This redundancy is intentional to ensure important information reaches as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time. 

All members of the Virginia Tech community are strongly encouraged to download the free Hokie Ready mobile safety app. App users can access important just-in-time emergency information that provides guidance on what to do when a VT Alert is issued, connect with Virginia Tech emergency services, as well as many additional resources. 

Visit emergency.vt.edu for a wide range of emergency preparedness resources.

Please direct further questions to Virginia Tech Emergency Management at 540-231-4873 or oem@vt.edu.

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