Va. Tech installs emergency message boards

BLACKSBURG - A new security measure is in place at Virginia Tech.

The Blacksburg school has installed electronic message boards throughout campus to notify students and faculty of emergencies.

Officials say the school has installed 201 devices total, and purchased 19 backup message boards at a total cost of $243,700.

The devices were recommended by a committee formed by the university last year to review security after the campus shootings on April 16, 2007. Message boards will display campus alerts that also will be sent via e-mail, text message, phone and other means.