Santa Clara County to install Reverse 911

Friday, October 17, 2008

Santa Clara County to install Reverse 911

Santa Clara County installing system to call residents in emergencies
By Stephen Baxter
Mercury News original article - Link
Article Launched: 10/17/2008 11:20:55 AM PDT

An emergency calling system is being installed in Santa Clara County this month, and county officials say it will facilitate evacuations during natural disasters.

The county board of supervisors has agreed to hire a contractor to set up the system. A similar system that calls homes with a recorded emergency notice was used to evacuate San Diego County residents during wildfires in 2007. Santa Clara Supervisor Ken Yeager indicated it would be useful here.

"It was critical in the successful evacuation of people, potentially saving many lives during that disaster," Yeager said in a statement.

The notification system will send automated messages to land lines, but residents will be able to add cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses later. It also can target residents in specific areas. Registered users also may receive information on power outages, road closures, water main breaks, health warnings and crime alerts, Yeager said.

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Friday, October 17, 2008