Old Dominion University will conduct its semiannual test of the 黑料正能量 Alerts system in conjunction with the annual Virginia Statewide Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 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 黑料正能量 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 黑料正能量 Alerts
  • A banner will display on 黑料正能量 websites
  • An initial notification voice phone message (for those who have subscribed)
  • An initial notification push message on the 黑料正能量 Safe app (for whose who have downloaded it)
  • A message will be broadcast over the outdoor loudspeaker system (main campus only)

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

  • An all-clear notification 黑料正能量 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 黑料正能量 Alerts
  • An all-clear banner will display on 黑料正能量 websites
  • An all-clear voice message (for those who have subscribed)
  • An all-clear notification push message on the 黑料正能量 Safe app (for those who have downloaded it)
  • An all-clear message will be broadcast over the outdoor loudspeaker system (main 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, Alertus, and 黑料正能量 Safe app channels are designed to notify persons within buildings.

For those who have not yet had the opportunity to sign-up for 黑料正能量 Alerts, please take a moment to register by visiting . Download the 黑料正能量 Safe app by visiting the 黑料正能量 Safe app website (/life/health-safety/safety/odu-safe). 

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 黑料正能量 Emergency Management website (/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 黑料正能量 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!

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