University to test outdoor Campus Warning Siren System Monday, Oct. 8.

Virginia Tech will test its outdoor Campus Warning Siren System on Monday, Oct. 8. The test will occur at 10 a.m.

Individuals on the 1,150 acre central Blacksburg campus and sections of the Town of Blacksburg adjacent to the university will hear an ultra-loud, long-lasting, deeper-sounding police or rescue-squad siren, followed by an audible announcement. During this test, the audible message will be, “This is a test of the Virginia Tech Campus Warning Siren System.”

When activated, the siren tone and audible message will last less than one minute. During this test, the siren tone and message will be heard once. In the event of an actual emergency, the tone and message may be repeated if necessary. The siren tones are not intended to penetrate into building interiors.

Virginia Tech has installed six siren stations beginning in early 2006.

Virginia Tech Police has the authority to activate the Virginia Tech Campus Warning Siren System if events occur that could potentially endanger people who are outdoors. The system could be used to alert the campus community in instances of a severe weather event, criminal activity, large chemical spills, or any other emergency situation that calls for immediate action.

When the siren is heard, individuals should immediately go inside and consult a source of information. Those information sources are:

• Information posted to the university homepage and Virginia Tech News;
• Information sent using campus-wide e-mail;
• Information sent using VT Alerts;
• Information broadcast on WVTF-FM 89.1 and other public media outlets;
• Information record on the university hotline (231-6668).

Virginia Tech will test its outdoor Campus Warning Siren System twice a year, once during fall semester and again in the spring. The campus and adjacent community will receive notification through the university before the tests occur.