1. Who administers the VSU Campus Alert System?
  2. When are campus emergency alerts issued?
  3. How many telephone numbers and email addresses can I put in when signing up?
  4. What number will be reflected on my caller identification when a campus emergency alert warning is issued?
  5. What email address will be reflected when a campus emergency alert warning is issued?
  6. Does this notification system overwhelm the telephone systems (cell and land lines)?
  7. What should I do if I receive a campus alert call or email?
  8. After a warning is issued, how can I find out more details?
  9. What else should I know about emergency preparedness? 
  10. Whom should I contact if I have additional questions or concerns with the VSU Campus Alert System:

 

  1. Who administers the VSU Campus Alert System?
          Valdosta State University uses the Rave Mobile Safety system to broadcast emergency alerts and to provide campus leaders and safety professionals with the ability to reach students, faculty and staff via telephone (cellular and landline), SMS/text messaging, and email (@valdosta.edu).  Only authorized representatives from the University Police are authorized to send emergency messages using the VSU Campus Alert System.
  2. When are campus emergency alerts issued?  
    VSU’s Campus Alert System will be used when there is a severe threat to public safety and health of the entire campus, which has not been contained or controlled, and when immediate action is required on the part of the recipient group(s), (e.g. chemical spills impacting public health, school closing, tornado warnings, active shooters, etc.). Once the situation receives and “all-clear” by the proper authorities, the updated information will be posted on the VSU website at www.valdosta.edu. The VSU Campus Alert System only replaces the university's main website for urgent messages and updates.
  3. How many telephone numbers and email addresses may I enter when signing up?
    Instructions on how VSU students, faculty and staff can sign up to receive a campus alert message (via the VSU Campus Alert System) are located at http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/communications/alert/
  4. What number will be reflected on my caller identification when a campus emergency alert warning is issued?
    The telephone number reflected on your caller identification will be 888-998-0048. You should program this number into your telephone so it will immediately recognize it as an urgent call.
  5. What email address will be reflected when a campus emergency alert warning is issued?
    The "from" address will reflect the following: Valdosta State Campus Alert [valdosta@getrave.com].
  6. Does this notification system overwhelm the telephone systems (cell and land lines)?
    No, the mass notification system utilizes proprietary algorithms designed to maximize the available local switch network for best success of delivery. However, because VSU’s incoming line capacity is limited, calls to the university may experience a slight delay as compared to those made on a cellular or home telephones. Lines reserved for outgoing calls are not impacted by the incoming emergency warning calls.
  7. What should I do if I receive a campus alert call or email?
    Take the warning very seriously.  The VSU Campus Alert System will only be used when there is an immediate threat or need to take immediate action. Follow the instructions provided and check the VSU main website for updates. (www.valdosta.edu)
  8. After a warning is issued, how can I find out more details?
    It is imperative to keep telephone lines open during an emergency situation. As soon as additional information is available, it will be reflected on VSU’s main website. www.valdosta.edu
  9. What else should I know about emergency preparedness?
         Although college campuses are usually safe places, emergencies and disasters do occur. Individual preparedness is essential to emergency preparedness and response. Every individual should have an emergency kit and emergency plan, including a family communication plan. The plan should be tested periodically. Visit www.ready.gov for information about individual emergency preparedness.
  10. Whom should I contact if I have additional questions or concerns with the VSU Campus Alert System:
    Chief Alan Rowe, (229) 333-7816