November 19, 2008 — The University of Virginia will test its emergency notification systems Thursday between 2:30 and 3 p.m.

The siren/public address system, text message and e-mail alerts, and emergency Web page will all be activated during this time.

The LCD screens at various on-Grounds locations are not being included in this test. 

The systems will be monitored during the test. Once data is gathered, an "all clear" will sound. 

What You Can Expect:

At approximately 2:30 p.m.:  If you are outside, you should hear a siren followed by public address message that says, "This is a test of the U.Va. emergency notification system. This is a test."

If you have signed up for U.Va. Alerts text messaging system and U.Va. Alerts e-mail, you should receive a similar message.

If you are at your workstation or receive e-mail on a mobile device, you should receive an e-mail indicating the test.

Each of these notifications will direct you to the University home page at www.virginia.edu for the most up-to-date information during any incident. 

Within 30 minutes or by 3 p.m.: The siren will sound with three blasts followed by the message: "This concludes the test of the U.Va. emergency notification system."

Text messaging and e-mail will also display the "all clear" message.

The University will test systems periodically. If you have questions regarding this notice, contact Marge Sidebottom in the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 434-924-8745 or 434-982-0565.