The Radford University Office of Emergency Management is implementing additional ways for the Radford community to stay prepared for and informed about emergency situations.
All current Radford University and Radford University Carilion (RUC) students, faculty and staff will automatically be registered for the Radford Alert notification system beginning on July 24. The system communicates emergency messages about situations that may directly impact the campus community in Radford and Roanoke through telephone calls, text messaging and email (both personal and radford.edu accounts) using the primary information that students and employees have on file with the University.
“The Radford Alert system will only be used to communicate with our communities in Radford and Roanoke when there is a threat to safety on the main campus or in the immediate surrounding communities,” according to a statement by the university. “Less imminent alerts, such as weather-related delays or closures, will not be sent via Radford Alert, but can be found on the University’s social media channels like Facebook and Twitter, as well as on local television and radio stations. Students, faculty and staff will receive Radford Alert notifications as long as they are associated with the University as registered students or employees. Individuals can view their information on file by visiting the Radford portal, selecting the Personal Info icon and then proceeding to the RU Alert section of the page.
Radford Alert is also available for Highlander families, friends, visitors, vendors, contractors and community members, helping them stay informed during potential emergencies by opting in through SMS messaging.
Families, friends, long-term visitors, vendors and contractors may sign-up for Radford Alert SMS messaging by texting RadfordFamily to 226787. They will receive an SMS message confirming their subscriptions. The subscription will be active for 365 days from the date of confirmation. Once the subscription has reached 365 days, an expiration message will give instructions to opt in for an additional 365 days, if needed.
Short-term visitors, vendors and contractors may sign-up for Radford Alert SMS messaging by texting RadfordVisitor to 226787. They will receive an SMS message confirming their subscriptions. This subscription will be active for seven days from the date of subscription. Once the subscription has reached seven days, an expiration message will give instructions to opt in for an additional seven days, if needed.
These options provide flexibility to users based on the length of time needed to receive notifications. For example, parents with a student on campus may want to sign up for the 365-day option in order to monitor safety alerts year-round. Visitors coming to campus for an event may want to sign up for the seven-day option to receive alerts temporarily, while they spend time in and around the Radford University main campus.
Other security outlets include:
Radford University Carilion
In addition to the Radford Alert system, RUC students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to sign up for Carilion Clinic’s Everbridge Emergency Alert System. Everbridge provides emergency notifications specific to Roanoke, including RUC and the surrounding area. To sign up for Everbridge, RUC students, faculty and staff must opt in by going to the Radford portal, selecting the RUC icon and clicking on “Everbridge – RUC Emergency Alerts.”
Rave Guardian App
In addition to messages distributed through the Radford Alert system, you can also download the free Rave Guardian app from the Google Play or App Store. This app ensures that, with just a few clicks, help and safety resources are available. By downloading this app, you have access to:
An inbox to receive alerts based on your location, even when you don’t have a cell signal;
A call directory with important numbers to help you easily find safety assistance and resources;
A virtual timer to help you ensure you get from one location to another safely in a timely manner;
Links to online resources such as emergency procedures, campus offices and other key information;
A way to report tips by discreetly sending anonymous information with a photo or location as needed; and
Direct-call access to the Radford University and the City of Radford Police Departments with a push of a button.
The Rave Guardian app is available now and replaces the LiveSafe app previously utilized by the University. Students, faculty and staff who download the app will sign in using their radford.edu email addresses and can begin using the resources it offers immediately.
For more information on Radford Alert and Rave Guardian, please visit Radford University Office of Emergency Management Notification Technologies.
Mark Lambert
Radford University
