Hoboken Launches Emergency Notification System

Hobokenites can now sign up for an alert system that will notify them on their multiple devices—home phone, business phone, cell phone and email—in case of an emergency. As of Thursday, the city launched the Swift911 system. Emergencies include flooding, evacuations and snow emergencies.

According to the city, the system currently includes approximately 10,000 listed residential and business phone numbers in Hoboken. Residents are encouraged to provide the city with other contact information, such as unlisted, unpublished or mobile phone numbers, address and email address through the online form at www.hobokennj.org/emergency or by calling the Mayor’s office at 201-420-2018. The system also employs a Do Not Call component for those who do not wish to receive alerts.

“When time is of the essence, this system will let us notify thousands of residents and businesses in a matter of minutes,” Mayor Dawn Zimmer said in a press release.

The new system costs the city $15,000 annually, said Spokesman Juan Melli.

Residents can add up to four telephone numbers, which will be called in case of an emergency until one of the calls is answered. "Residents are especially urged to provide mobile phone information since they may not be home or in some cases a land line or answering machine may not work during an emergency situation," according to the city's announcement. "In addition, the system permits the City to target messages based on geographic location, so it is important for residents to provide an accurate physical address as well."