Emergency Notification Systems

Sometimes referred to as reverse 911, EmergencyNotificationSystems (ENS) are used to rapidly distribute emergency and non-emergency messages to targeted groups. These systems involve computer management of a database of telephone numbers along with automated message delivery. Messages can be delivered to pre-determined distribution lists or, using GIS tools, can be delivered to geographic areas. Advanced systems allow the user to create dynamic event areas by plotting polygonal designs within a user defined radius of the incident. Many systems are capable of displaying orthographic images as part of the map display as well.

Emergency notification systems can be activated, changed, or escalated on the fly via the web or by telephone. Messages can be sent to multiple devices such as phones, pagers, PDAs, email, fax machines, and includes TDD devices. Systems can also provide automated response processing by prompting the recipient to enter the desired information and recording the response. Responses can trigger the system to initiate other actions. An added benefit besides collecting responses from message recipients is the collection of data summarizing the notification event. Real time logs and historical accounts are examples of available reports.

The applications of an ENS are practically limitless. They can be used for both emergency and non-emergency notifications, can notify any number of people, and can be used to notify both citizens and emergency response personnel. Uses of an ENS might include:

• emergency evacuations
• missing person alerts
• emergency personnel call-out
• HAZMAT emergencies
• crime prevention tips
• citizen surveys
• Neighborhood Watch meeting notices

Disseminating information to the affected citizens during a natural disaster or other emergency can be hampered by the speed at which the events unfold. The Commonwealth of Virginia has attempted to mitigate this by enacting §44-146.19 (G), Code of Virginia as amended, which states in part “all localities with a population greater than 50,000 shall establish an alert and warning plan for the dissemination of adequate and timely warnings to the public in the event of an emergency or threatened disaster.” http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+44-146.19

Tropical Storm Gaston, which dumped large amounts of rain on the Richmond metropolitan area in August 2004, is a good example of a natural disaster that struck quickly and unexpectedly. Had an emergency notification system been in place at that time, information could have been disseminated to the public very quickly. Other pictures related to that event are attached.

Emergency notification systems are good tools for emergency planners. They limit the loss of time, money, and lives and have important implications for homeland security.

-- LindaSamuel - 26 Jun 2005