Radford University provides multiple alert notification services to students, faculty and staff that enable the university police department, emergency preparedness, and senior campus administrators to send emergency alert notifications including text messages, emails, telephones, web sites, Facebook, Twitter, campus computers, and the RU campus IP reverse announcement telephone system speakers. Specific alert notification system technologies integrated into the RU campus Emergency Response Plan include:
RU Alert Notification System
The Radford University RU Alert Notification System sign-up is accessible through the university web portal. The system allows students and staff to sign-up and receives emergency messages including campus emergencies, severe weather notifications, campus closings, and delay information through multiple telephone, email, and text messaging outlets. Additional information and instructions on how to sign up for RU Alert can be found online.
Campus Email
In the event of any emergency or need to relay important information to the Radford University community, a “coverage” or “blast email” is sent that reaches all university email users. The email system also will be used to provide continuing information about the emergency or event.
Campus IP Telephone Reverse Announcement System
Beginning in fall of 2009, Radford University began updating the campus telephone system using new IP telephone units and speaker boxes for campus residence halls, offices, and classroom locations. In the event of an emergency the message generated by the RU Alert System will initiate a reverse audio message through the IP telephone system and selected speaker locations. Additional IP telephones and speakers will be deployed including links with new fire alarm audio systems.
RU Alertus Desktop System (Deployment in the spring of 2013)
In the Fall of 2012, RU Alert messages will be linked to Desktop Alertus computer messaging system that will take the RU Alert notification message and generate a parallel emergency notification message on all active campus computers including computer labs and classroom instructional computers. The alert will display as a full screen message and will require an acknowledgement response to clear screen.
Campus Siren and Verbal Notification System
Radford University deploys a campus siren/public address system. Sirens and speakers are placed at multiple locations on campus and at the Dedmon Center. The operation of the system provides a first notification siren alarm followed by a verbal communication via the PA system positioned at each location to convey specific information.
Campus Signage System
As of spring of 2013, the university is upgrading the campus LCD/TV displays information system that feeds multiple news and information channels to the campus community through residence halls and various buildings on campus. In conjunction with other campus alert systems, the signage system allows for emergency messages to be displayed including status information.
Radford University homepage
During a time of emergency or crisis the link icon will be activated calling attention to information for the emergency including status and updates. In the event of a major threat or emergency that requires quick and concise information, the university home page will be shifted to the RU Alert web page containing specific information.
WVRU Public Radio
In time of emergency WVRU public radio, a service of Radford University, will interrupt programming to broadcast emergency notification messages and severe weather information. Tune to 89.9FM WVRU. Weather information and warnings will come directly from the National Weather Service.
Facebook
Anyone can sign up for RU Alert messaging through the RU Facebook portal. Once connected you will receive the same alert message from RU Alert system and generated to your Facebook link. Please follow instructions below to sign up.
- Go to your personal Facebook page and log in.
- Click on the Applications Tab in the lower left corner
- Search for Application called RU Alert
- Add to your Facebook Site
Important Note: This application does not track or gather any information about you. It is only a link to the RU Alert Notification network messaging system.
