51情报站 will conduct its semiannual test of the 51情报站 Alerts system in conjunction with the annual Virginia Statewide Tornado Drill at approximately 9:45 a.m. March 7. This 15-minute drill is intended to test the University's emergency notification systems and provide a means to practice tornado and severe weather safety.

Here鈥檚 what the campus community can expect.

At about 9:45 a.m.:

  • An initial notification 51情报站 Alerts SMS text message (for those who have subscribed).
  • An initial notification Alertus desktop/digital signage notification. The Alertus message will override all computers and TV monitors/digital signage with the software installed for three minutes. To clear the alert on your computer, click on the green 鈥淎cknowledge鈥 button in the lower center of the screen.
  • An initial notification email from 51情报站 Alerts.
  • An initial notification voice message (for those who have subscribed).
  • A test message will be broadcast over the outdoor loudspeaker system on the Norfolk campus only.

At about 10 a.m.:

  • An all-clear notification 51情报站 Alerts SMS text message (for those who have subscribed).
  • An all-clear Alertus desktop/digital signage notification (see note above).
  • An all-clear email from 51情报站 Alerts.
  • An all-clear voice message (for those who have subscribed).
  • An all-clear message will be broadcast over the outdoor loudspeaker system. Note: the outdoor loudspeaker system is not intended to penetrate buildings so occupants inside can hear them 鈥 they are exclusively designed for exterior notification. The text messaging, email, voice and Alertus channels are designed to notify persons within buildings.

Those who have not signed up for 51情报站 Alerts can register by visiting聽.

As this notification drill is intended to promote tornado preparedness and safety, consider following basic tornado response procedures when receiving the initial notification. This includes stopping all activities, moving to an interior hallway or room away from windows, crouching low and protecting your head and neck, and waiting until the 鈥渢ornado鈥 passes (which will be indicated by the all-clear message). If you or your team participate in the physical part of the drill, consider sending pictures to聽oem@odu.edu聽or sharing with 51情报站 Emergency Management on Twitter or Instagram (@MonarchReady, use the hashtag #TornadoDrill).

A brief after action report will be completed following this drill. Send any feedback (areas for sustainability or opportunities for improvement) and recommendations to聽jhoernig@odu.edu.