Residents Will Have Control Over Own ‘Reverse 911’ Notifications

Want to know exactly what’s going on in your neighborhood when there is an emergency? Don’t worry. It’s coming.

The Southington Town Council and town officials have approved the purchase of an emergency notification system, commonly referred to as a ‘Reverse 911’ system, and implemented a policy that will limit unnecessary posts while also giving residents a chance to receive message to the devices they want.

“This is a tool that will allow us to really keep our residents informed in any sort of emergency,” said Southington Town Manager Garry Brumback. “One reason we went with Everbridge is the ability to select specific neighborhoods and because it comes with a tool to evaluate when incidents occur and how you used the system.”

The system, an adjustable program from Everbridge, will cost the town $15,800 to implement this year and $9,500 to maintain in upcoming years, Brumback said.

The company specializes in emergency alert notification and has a presence in 100 countries worldwide, including providing services for the American Red Cross, according to the company website. The company also provides services to the Connecticut State Police.

Brumback said the new policy, which puts one person in charge of disseminating messages whether it be the town manager or chief of police or police spokesperson, is designed to prevent unnecessary messages or “spamming” that could be caused if multiple officials are given access without approval.

The policy was developed using one already in place in South Windsor, officials said.

Furthermore, he said, the system will immediately include all listed numbers in the community organized by neighborhood, but residents will have the option of adding their unlisted numbers to the system without the number being shared and can also add their cell number or other devices that receive phone calls. Residents can also remove their numbers if need be.

Sign-up for change in number or adding new numbers will be made available on the town’s website in the near future, he said.

“There will be a marketing package included along with as well,” Brumback said. “The value in this will be in getting as many as possible to participate. This system is designed for the benefit of the residents and the policy will help prevent frustration and annoying them.”

The town first began exploring the purchase of an emergency alert system in February after a blizzard left the town covered with approximately 3.5 feet of snow. Residents expressed frustrations about not knowing when plows were coming or who to contact in an emergency.

Councilman John Barry, who was added mistakenly to the Cheshire notification list, said he was surprised and impressed when he received Cheshire’s notifications regarding road clearing, closures and progress regarding the storm clean up.

“It very informative and gave some comfort to residents of Cheshire on how the town was progressing,” Barry said this week. “It’s good to have option at our disposal.”

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