Citizens could be notified of emergencies
By:Vanessa S. Holt
CHESTERFIELD Everyone knows to dial 911 during an emergency, but how to you get information when you hear sirens outside and just want to know what’s going on?
Township officials are looking into a "reverse 911" phone system that will allow authorities to contact area residents in the event of an emergency to keep them informed of the situation.
The system could dial residents who ask to be placed on the service and provide information about anything from breaking emergencies to school snow closings.
Tom McGovern, a representative of the Centrinity communications company, presented the township with an analysis of its current technology system at the Dec. 13 Township Committee meeting.
The company, which has its headquarters in Ontario, Canada, has worked with nearby Princeton Township. Its client list also includes the country of Denmark.
The report, conducted at the request of the township, concluded that the township was in a good position to improve existing technology, centralize communications and make information more accessible to residents.
"The bad news is that you’re expecting some growth," said Mr. McGovern, referring to the projected construction of 1,100 new homes in the township over the next 10 years.
The predominantly "paper-laden" township faces obstacles getting information out in a timely manner, he said.
"The good news is that you have existing infrastructures in place," he said.
The township has a technologically literate staff, Internet access and a Web site, and the minutes from township meetings are put out in an electronic format.
The township began looking into ways to improve the flow of information after several recent events, including ongoing concerns stemming from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and an Oct. 12 shootout between area police and a Fort Dix reservist who was killed by police after a violent rampage.
The township may consider a system that would provide minutes, general information and meeting schedules over the phone and on the Web in addition to providing a dial-out service for emergencies.
Township officials said they would only consider the system if they could include the local elementary school and fire companies.
If the township opts for the system, the total cost would be between $35,000 and $50,000, said Mr. McGovern.
Mayor Brian Kelly said a "reverse 911" system could have enabled the township to get important information out to residents during the Oct. 12 incident and calmed many worried people.
Deputy Mayor Larry Durr pointed out that because there are two correctional facilities in the township, many residents are concerned about what to do if an inmate escapes.
"We wonder if we can tap state or federal grants (to upgrade communications) because of our proximity to the prison and the military bases," he added.
Committeeman Michael Hlubik agreed that "considering what has happened lately," both locally and nationally, the issue of emergency management and information has begun to loom larger in the public’s mind.
"We’re just gathering information at this point," said Mr. Durr, adding that the township would want to include the school in any potential plans for implementing an emergency notification system.