Safety and Security

Safety Tips

• Lock your door when you're away from your residence hall room.
• Check out the Student Preparedness Guide to help you become better prepared for emergencies, both on and off campus.
• Be aware of these fire and safety regulations for Virginia Tech residents.
  • The number one cause of fire alarms on the Virginia Tech campus is burnt microwave popcorn, with macaroni and cheese coming in just behind it. Don’t be that person who makes everyone get out of bed at 2 a.m. on a cold winter night because you cooked your popcorn two minutes too long.
• When in doubt, contact the Virginia Tech Police Department.
  • Emergency: 911 (know how to call VTPD in an emergency)
  • Non-Emergency: 540-231-6411 OR Online Report Form
• Sign up for VT Phone Alerts and follow @vtalerts on Twitter.
• Call SafeRide if you need a ride after dark.
  • 540-231-7233 (SAFE)
• Look into classes offered by the VTPD, the Office of Emergency Management, and Environmental Health and Safety.
  • Student Police Academy
  • Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Training – Women Only
  • Campus Community Emergency Response Team (C-CERT) training
  • CPR and First Aid certifications

Make personal emergency preparedness a priority by Being Hokie Ready.

Start off with these simple steps:

• Program the non-emergency number for the VT Police Department into your cell phone: 540-382-4343.
• Take the No Hokie Left Behind pledge and share it on social media using #nohokieleftbehind.
• Learn the difference between Secure in Place, Shelter in Place, and Evacuation.
• For those living on campus, meet and get to know the Residence Life Resource Officers.
• Stay informed. Connect with reliable campus news sources like Virginia Tech News so you know what’s going on in your community. You can also follow Be Hokie Ready on Facebook and Twitter for regular tips on how to be more prepared.
• Save your contacts. There’s going to be a time when your phone lets you down. Write down emergency contacts in several safe, easily accessible locations so you can get help without cell phone access.
• Have a plan. Cover the basics: know two exits out of your buildings, establish a roommate meet-up zone, and figure out how to let your loved ones know you’re okay.
• Make an emergency kit. They’re not just for the Zombie Apocalypse — have some food, water, clothes, and cash ready to go at a moment's notice.