Old Dominion University will conduct its semiannual test of the ODU Alerts system in conjunction with the annual Virginia Statewide Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at approximately 9:45 a.m. This approximately 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's what to expect:

1. At about 9:45 a.m.:

  • An initial notification ODU 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 a 3-minute period. To clear the alert on your computer, click the green "Acknowledge" button in the lower center of the screen.
  • An initial notification email from ODU Alerts (this email will come from odualerts@email.getrave.com)
  • A red banner will display on ODU websites
  • An initial notification voice phone message (for those who have subscribed)
  • A message will be broadcast over the outdoor loudspeaker system (Norfolk campus only)

2. At about 10:00 a.m.:

  • An all-clear notification ODU 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 ODU Alerts (this email will come from odualerts@email.getrave.com)
  • An all-clear red banner will display on ODU websites
  • An all-clear voice message (for those who have subscribed)
  • An all-clear message will be broadcast over the outdoor loudspeaker system (Norfolk campus only)

Note: the outdoor loudspeaker system is not intended to penetrate buildings so that occupants inside can hear them - they are exclusively designed for exterior notification. The text messaging, email, voice, and Alertus channels are designed to notify persons within buildings.

For those who have not yet had the opportunity to sign-up for ODU Alerts, please take a moment to register by visiting www.odu.edu/alerts.

As this notification drill is intended to promote tornado preparedness and safety, please consider following basic tornado response procedures found in your Building Emergency Action Plan and on the ODU Emergency Management website (https://www.odu.edu/emergency/weather) when you receive the initial notification. This includes temporarily 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 "tornado" passes (which will be indicated by the all-clear message).

If you or your team participate in the physical part of the drill, please consider sending pictures to oem@odu.edu or sharing with ODU Emergency Management on X or Instagram (@MonarchReady, use the hashtag #TornadoDrill).

Questions? Email oem@odu.edu or call 757-683-5116. Thank you for your participation!

screenshot_20250228-202158_instagram.jpg