Emergency Messaging

Communicating during  emergency event at VIU is extremely important so our employees, students and visitors know what is happening and what to do to stay safe.

Emergency information is disseminated through the VIU mass notification system which consists of various communication platforms. Information is also always posted on the VIU home page using the emergency banner as well as through the VIU social media channels and through employee email.

The following communication tools are also used at VIU to improve communication.

Fire Alarm – Announcement system 

The VIU Nanaimo campus has a system in place that allows pre-recorded and live messages to be broadcast in individual, multiple or all buildings simultaneously. Listen carefully to the message and follow any directions given.

VIU Safety AppVIU Safety App

One of the easiest ways to find out what’s happening on campus during an emergency or snow closure is through VIU’s Safety App.   Download the app, be sure to enable push notifications, and if anything is happening on campus relating to safety, health or emergencies that you need to know about, you will get an automatic notification.

  1. Download from the iTunes store for iPhones
  2. Download from Google play for Android devices

Already have the app? Make sure it's up to date. Follow these instructions: 

  1. Open the VIU Safety App 
  2. Click on the VIU logo in the upper left corner of the screen 
  3. Click on the “Updates available” message that appears at the bottom of the page when you click on the logo
  4. Update complete! If no message appears, that means your app is up to date.

Or you can:

  1. Click on the “About/Preferences” button at the bottom of the main screen.  
  2. In the next screen, click on “Data Update” 
  3. In the next screen, click on “Check for Updates” 
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen that pops up
  5. Update complete! 

Troubleshooting iOS and Android Push Notifications

Disable Android App Hibernation

Alertus

Is a software that VIU uses that will send a message to any computer that is hooked up to the VIU network. In the event of an emergency, a message will appear on the computer screen that must be acknowledged to dismiss it. Messages can be sent out to specific computers and buildings if needed. See VIU Alertus instructions for laptop users.

Note: Mac users are currently not able to have Alertus installed on their devices.