VCU to test its emergency sirens after malfunction during scheduled test

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) will test its emergency siren system on Wednesday due to it malfunctioning during a previous campus alert system test.

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, VCU tested all of its campus alert systems — from its emergency communication methods to its outdoor sirens — during a scheduled test .

On Monday, Sept. 9, the university announced further testing of those sirens would be necessary due to issues encountered during the campuswide test.

“During a scheduled test of VCU’s emergency communications system on Sept. 4, the university’s siren system did not fully activate,” the university said in a press release. “VCU Police, VCU Tech Services and the siren provider have been working to resolve the malfunction. On Wednesday, more than one activation of the siren system may be necessary to ensure it is fully operational.”

This testing will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 11. It will involve outdoor sirens on the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, as well as at the VCU Police headquarters, located at 224 E. Broad St. in Richmond.

Those subscribed to VCU text alerts will be notified 10 minutes prior to each test. Notifications will also be sent out when testing is finished.

“In an actual life-threatening emergency, the sirens will be activated to warn people external to VCU facilities that there is an immediate risk to the area,” the university said. “There is no ‘all clear’ siren, as that information is transmitted via the other VCU Alert technologies.”

This and the previous testing is done to make sure VCU’s emergency communications system is fully functional in the event of a real emergency.

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