Emergency notification system keeps citizens safe
In less than a week, Thayer County will begin using an emergency notification system provided by Everbridge allowing instant communication with thousands of businesses and residents in an emergency.
The County will be able to alert residents about severe weather, fires, floods, toxic environmental issues and other emergencies using Everbridge Smart GIS for Citizen Alerts. Messages can be sent to residents on any communication path desired – cell phone, home phone, email, text messaging, fax, pager, PDA and more – ensuring that residents and county staff receive life-saving emergency information and important public service announcements in minutes.
Citizens listed in the County’s 9-1-1 database will be automatically subscribed to alerts by phone, though any citizen may self-register, provide additional contact information or opt out. Self registration is necessary to ensure automatic weather alerts.
“We have a commitment to our citizens to protect them from any danger that threatens our communities.” said Thayer County Emergency Management Director Bill McPherson. “The ability to reach all residents quickly during an emergency to warn them and provide guidance is critical to upholding that commitment, which is why we are rolling out Everbridge Smart GIS for Citizen Alerts.
“The Everbridge emergency notification system ensures that Thayer County will be able to react accurately and efficiently in a natural disaster or other crisis.”
Jaime Ellertson, CEO of Everbridge, commented, “A robust emergency notification system is an essential tool for cities that need to notify thousands of residents and businesses rapidly and efficiently during an emergency.
Everbridge is proud to have been chosen by Thayer County as a critical component of its emergency response plan.”
To sign up for emergency alerts and automatic weather alerts, visit http://www.thayercounty.ne.gov/emergencymanager.htm.
“This service is free and is available to all Thayer County residents and businesses,” McPherson added. “All that is required is to sign up online.”
The new notification system goes live June 4.
