Current VBAlert subscribers will continue to receive alerts through Sept. 30.
Emergencies can happen at any time, from severe weather to public safety situations. That’s why it is important that Virginia Beach public safety personnel have a means to reach out to citizens with warnings and notifications. VBAlert, the City’s FREE subscription-based emergency notification service, sends critical emergency messages and other notifications via text, email and phone, depending on a subscriber’s preferences.Virgi
The City is transitioning to a new and improved VBAlert system. Unfortunately, current accounts will not automatically roll over to the new platform. That means the approximately 15,000 current subscribers will need to sign up for the new system just like new users. To register, simply text “VBAlert” to 67283 or visit VBgov.com/vbalert.
The new platform, powered by Rave Mobile Safety, allows for better functionality, including Smart911. The Smart911 feature, which will be deployed in the near future, allows a subscriber to provide additional unique information to their profiles that could help 911 call takers save their life or that of a family member. Citizens are encouraged to sign up for Smart911 when they register with VBAlert.
The new provider is necessary because the current contract was expiring. Personal information and passwords are not transferable between the two services, which is why current subscribers to VBAlert must reenroll. The change to the new system will take place Oct. 1, 2019.
To ensure citizens receive emergency notifications during the transition, they will receive messages from both systems through Sept. 30, unless they unsubscribe from the old platform at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736725673#/login.
To learn more, visit www.vbgov.com/eccs or call 311.
