diff --git a/versions.py b/versions.py
index 63877602..026da81a 100644
--- a/versions.py
+++ b/versions.py
@@ -149,7 +149,10 @@ def main():
     print(f"Versions written to {versions_path}")
 
     # copy versions.json to server
-    versions_config_path = os.environ['VERSIONS_CONFIG_PATH']
+    versions_config_path = os.environ.get('VERSIONS_CONFIG_PATH')
+    if not versions_config_path:
+        print("VERSIONS_CONFIG_PATH is not set")
+        exit(1)
     ret = os.system(f'scp {versions_path} {versions_config_path}')
     if ret != 0:
         print(f'Failed to copy versions.json to server')