Frequently Asked Questions
What is AlertVU?
AlertVU is the latest addition to Vanderbilt University's emergency notification system. It will be activated during situations that pose an imminent, ongoing campus-wide threat or danger to the safety of the Vanderbilt community, such as a tornado forecasted to strike Vanderbilt within minutes or an active shooter at large on campus. AlertVU is a free service that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
AlertVU is one part of a larger system in place at Vanderbilt to notify the campus of emergencies. In addition to AlertVU, the system includes mass e-mails, sirens, use of the university Web site, verbal information from appropriate people and more.
How will AlertVU notify me of an emergency?
AlertVU will send messages to all the delivery methods a subscriber chooses: cell phone (voice or text), landline, e-mail account or pager. You can indicate how you want to be contacted on the signup form. All of the emergency contacts you enter on the sign-up form will receive the emergency alerts. If you do not answer your phone, the system will attempt to leave you a voice message.
What emergencies will trigger the AlertVU system?
AlertVU is designed to alert members of the Vanderbilt community during an emergency that poses an imminent, ongoing, campus-wide threat or danger to the the safety of the Vanderbilt community. This could include but is not limited to a tornado forecasted to strike Vanderbilt or an active shooter at large on campus.
AlertVU will NOT be used for general crime alerts or other situations on campus that do not pose an imminent threat or danger. It will also not be used for non-emergency communications such as campus event announcements, class reminders, athletics information, news or advertisements.
Why should I sign up?
AlertVU is one of the ways the university will notify you in the event of an ongoing, campus-wide emergency that poses an imminent threat or danger. It will send emergency notifications to as many devices you select when you sign up.
How do I sign up?
A signup form will be available on this site once registration begins and will include easy step by step instructions. You will be able to add or update your emergency contact information at any time. You will be responsible for updating your information as it changes.
Why should I list more than one device when subscribing to AlertVU?
Redundant, overlapping and consistent communication is an important component of any emergency plan. AlertVU is designed to facilitate early notification during emergencies. Sending the same messages using multiple modes and methods helps assure that those affected have access to warning messages and alerts to help keep them safe.
How do I know if I am signed up?
You will receive a confirmation email message at the official Vanderbilt address you listed on the sign-up form. If you do not receive a confirmation email, login to the AlertVU system and check the accuracy of your information. If you need further assistance, you may email your questions to alertvu@vanderbilt.edu or call the Vanderbilt Environmental Health and Safety department at (615) 322-2057.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes, the information that you put into the AlertVU system is private and will not be shared with anyone or used for any purpose other than emergency communication.
When should I expect to receive notifications?
The AlertVU system will be tested periodically. During a test you will receive a test message from AlertVU. This will allow us to ensure the system is functioning properly and users are receiving the messages. Other than those test messages, AlertVU will only notify you when there is an imminent threat or danger to your safety.
What will happen when AlertVU is activated?
Alert VU will begin sending thousands of messages and phone calls simultaneously to subscribers' devices. . All of the emergency contacts you entered on the sign-up form will receive the emergency alerts. If you do not answer your phone, the system will attempt to leave you a voice message. Read or listen to these messages carefully and follow the instructions they contain. Additional instructions may follow throughout the emergency situation, so keep your device accessible.
How will I know when a call or message is from AlertVU?
Any call from AlertVU will show the following number: (615) 322-3900. Simply save this number to your cell phone, address book, etc., as AlertVU. AlertVU will automatically show up on your phone and you'll know it is an urgent message.
E-mails sent via AlertVU will come from a generic address but the name will always appear as "AlertVU." Additionally, the subject line will always be specific to the emergency incident. The e-mails are automated from the AlertVU system and are NOT set up to receive incoming emails.
I have already signed up for MobileVU. Do I need to sign up for AlertVU too?
Yes. AlertVU replaces the text messaging-only MobileVU system. MobileVU will be completely discontinued as an emergency system for Vanderbilt on March 21, 2008. Your information cannot be automatically transferred to AlertVU from MobileVU, so you will need to sign up for AlertVU.
Does AlertVU work with my cell phone provider?
AlertVU can contact any phone number, regardless of the service provider.
Will we still receive campus-wide e-mails about emergency situations on campus?
Yes. AlertVU is an addition to Vanderbilt's emergency notification tools, which include mass e-mails, tornado sirens, and more. Those tools will continue to be used for the situations that warrant their use.
Am I required to sign up for AlertVU?
AlertVU is a free, voluntary, opt-in service. All members of the Vanderbilt community are encouraged, but not required, to participate.
My parents / spouse / children want to receive notification of campus emergencies. Can they sign up?
AlertVU is limited to members of the Vanderbilt community and requires a valid Vanderbilt email address and a password of your choosing. However, you may list your loved ones' phone number as one of your alternative phone numbers so that they too will receive emergency alerts.
Is text messaging the best way to receive alerts?
While text messaging is one way to receive AlertVU notifications, its effectiveness is inherently limited by the capacity of cell phone service providers to deliver these messages. The university encourages AlertVU subscribers to sign up multiple device methods and to not rely on text messaging alone to receive emergency notifications. If you do choose text messaging but have not used it in the past, check with your cell phone service provider to be sure text messaging has been activated for your phone and to learn how to use it. You are responsible for any fees charged by your provider for text messaging.
What is the technical backbone of AlertVU?
The university has contracted with W.A.R.N. (Wide Area Rapid Notification), a national company based in Gallatin, Tenn., to provide AlertVU. W.A.R.N.'s clients include public safety agencies, emergency management agencies, federal, state, county, and city governments, the US military, the Department of Homeland Security, and several other colleges and universities. To learn more about W.A.R.N., visit www.warncalling.com.
Questions or Comments?
If you have any questions about the AlertVU system, please send a message to alertvu@vanderbilt.edu or call the Vanderbilt Environmental Health & Safety Department at (615) 322-2057.