New 911 Technology Will Allow for Faster Public Safety Alerts

New 911 Technology Will Allow for Faster Public Safety Alerts

The Anoka County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) – 911 is now using new software called Everbridge as a mass notification platform, which will allow for quicker wireless warnings in typical emergency situations like notifications of hazardous traffic or road conditions, boil water advisories, or evacuation notices.

This new software allows emergency officials to notify residents and businesses by telephone, cell phone, text message, email, and social media of time-sensitive emergency situations. Only authorized officials have access to the Everbridge system.

The platform will allow delivery of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert Notifications (IPAWS) Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). IPAWS WEA alerts are considered public safety related alerts and are meant to inform and protect the public during emergency situations. There are strict criteria to follow through FEMA prior to sending a WEA.

A second function in Everbridge is called “Community Alerting.” The Anoka County ECC is currently developing this platform and will work with individual cities to best meet their needs with this feature.

“Community Alerts will be an opt-in resource available,” said District 2 Anoka County Commissioner Julie Braastad. “We’re working closely with public safety partners to develop criteria for the community alerting platform. The overall goal with this technology is for the ECC to reach the right people in a timely manner with accurate messages that enhance public safety in our area.”