Virginia Commonwealth University to test emergency alert systems

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and VCU Health will test their emergency alert system at noon on Wednesday.

According to the university, the test will be conducted at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 5, which will include the activation of several safety devices:

• Outdoor sirens on the university's Monroe Park and MCV campuses, as well as at VCU Police Headquarters
• Alertus boxes in residence halls, classrooms and high-volume areas in academic buildings
• Lockdown of some academic buildings and VCU Medical Center downtown

The test will also include text messages, an email, digital signs, desktop alerts, a notification from the LiveSafe app and more. Ten minutes before the test, a message will be shared indicating that the test will begin at noon.

At noon, Cabell Library, Shafer Court Dining Center, VCU Academic Learning Commons and Hibbs Hall on the Monroe Park campus will be placed on lockdown for about two minutes as part of the test.

In addition, on the MCV campus, the VCU Medical Center downtown, the College of Health Professions, and the McGlothlin Medical Education Center will be placed on lockdown for the same time period.

Public-facing entryway doors and certain interior doors on an electronic locking system will automatically lock to prevent entry. Community members will be able to exit facilities at any time during a lockdown.

While VCU Health’s downtown medical campus will be on lockdown, the emergency department at VCU Medical Center will still be accessible and operational during the test.

For more information about the test, visit the university's website.