Vanderbilt University

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is AlertVU?

AlertVU is a key component of 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 on a path 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 emails, the outdoor warning system, use of the university website, verbal information from appropriate people and more.

How will AlertVU notify me of an emergency?

AlertVU will send a message to your Vanderbilt email address, as well as to a number of delivery methods you choose, including text and voice.

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, campuswide threat or danger to the safety of the Vanderbilt community. This could include but is not limited to a tornado on a path 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 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 methods helps assure that those affected have access to warning messages and alerts to help keep them safe.

How do I edit my contact preferences?

Students can edit their AlertVU contact preferences through the Student Records system, YES. In the Phone Numbers section, students can choose which contact methods receive AlertVU messages via voice and/or text.

Employees can edit their AlertVU contact preferences through C2HR in the Personal Profile section. Employees can choose which contact methods receive AlertVU messages via voice and/or text and may also enter a personal email address.

You are responsible for updating your information as it changes.

Will my information be kept private?

The information will receive the same confidentiality treatment as any other personal information entered into C2HR or YES.

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 signup 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.

Emails 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 emails are automated from the AlertVU system and are NOT set up to receive incoming emails.

I have already signed up for AlertVU. Do I need still need to edit my contact information?

Yes. Although much information was transferred to the new systems, it is strongly encouraged that you verify your contact numbers and preferences.

Does AlertVU work with my cell phone provider?

AlertVU can contact any phone number, regardless of the service provider.

Will we still receive campuswide emails about emergency situations on campus?

Yes. AlertVU is an addition to Vanderbilt's emergency notification tools, which include mass emails, Outdoor Warning System, and more.

Am I required to receive AlertVU messages?

AlertVU emergency messages are automatically sent to all Vanderbilt email addresses for active students and employees. Users may voluntarily add additional methods of contact for AlertVU messages.

My parents / spouse / children want to receive notification of campus emergencies. Can they sign up?

AlertVU is limited to members of the Vanderbilt community. However, you may list your loved ones' phone number as your alternative phone number 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. Vanderbilt 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 Everbridge, an international company based in Los Angeles, Calif., to provide AlertVU. Everbridge's clients include public safety agencies, emergency management agencies, federal, state, county and city governments, financial institutions, and a large number of colleges and universities. To learn more about Everbridge, visit www.everbridge.com.

Questions or Comments?

If you have any questions about the AlertVU system, please send a message to alertvu@vanderbilt.edu.

About AlertVU

AlertVU is Vanderbilt University's emergency notification system. Vanderbilt University and Medical Center students, faculty, and staff automatically receive these messages to their Vanderbilt email address. Users may enter additional devices and specify which devices receive voice and/or text messages.

User may also enter a contact number for a family member if they wish for them to be notified of emergencies at Vanderbilt.

AlertVU is the latest addition to emergency communications at Vanderbilt, and will be used only for emergencies posing an imminent threat or danger to the Vanderbilt community. Effective emergency response requires personal preparedness and planning. We encourage you to add your devices to AlertVU and to explore the links on the right of this Web site for resources to help you develop your own emergency preparedness plan.

 

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