By John Patten, Managing Editor
The borough will test an Internet-based emergency notification system Nov. 4, one capable of quickly delivering thousands of phone, text and e-mail messages to residents.
”The test will begin at approximately 10 a.m. and if everything goes as planned, we will have contacted all residents within one hour,” Chief Mark Peltack said.
To participate in the test, residents must register their preferred contact number through an Emergency Notification System contact form that will be posted on the borough’s website page at www.manvillenj.org. Mayor Lillian Zuza noted some residents and business owners may have telephone service that is not listed through Verizon, or may have lines connected to faxes or computers. Police are asking residents to add or remove these lines from the system to make it as efficient as possible.
The system is intended to help the borough contact residents during such emergencies as flooding, when evacuation may be necessary. Many residents complained of not knowing about flooding in March despite the borough’s use of emergency warning lights and sirens around town, and a phone messaging system.
Chief Peltack noted this system will alert residents of emergency conditions that are present and any actions residents need to take.
This project is a joint effort between the Manville Borough Office of Emergency Management and the Manville Police Department, and uses a system devised by Global Connect, which gives municipalities the ability to call thousands of residents, staff members and volunteers within minutes.
”The Global Connect System will allow the mayor, chief of police or emergency management coordinator to record a message in his or her own voice and send that message to every telephone number listed in the directory within a matter of minutes,” Craig Bird, CEO and founder of Global Connect, said. “Whether residents need to be informed of a water main break, fast-moving fire, approaching storm or other crisis, the Global Connect Emergency Notification System is the most efficient way to reach them with the news.”
The Global Connect Emergency Notification System uses Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) to send a message to a database of telephone numbers, email addresses or fax numbers. The system offers a number of features that render it particularly useful during a crisis.
”Many municipalities and school districts have already seen the benefits of the Global Connect Emergency Notification System,” Mr. Bird said. “The speed, simplicity and flexibility of this cost-effect system make it a natural choice for public entities.”
For more information on the Global Connect Emergency Notification System, call 1-888-421-4151 or visit www.gcl.com.

