Spread the word -- fast: Holliston water emergency highlights importance of 'Reverse 911' in MetroWest towns
By Peter Reuell / Daily News Staff
Wednesday, September 28, 2005As Holliston residents this week demand to know why it took days before they were warned of contaminated water, officials yesterday said the town plans to install an automated system for exactly such emergencies.
The system, commonly called "Reverse 911" has been in the works for months, Town Administrator Paul LeBeau said, and could be up and running within two months.
"It's a system whereby we can initiate calls to the entire community or to a targeted area of the community," he said.
Similar systems are in use in a handful of other MetroWest cities and towns from Milford to Waltham to Marlborough, and allow public safety officials to relay critical information to residents, sometimes within hours, officials said.
This weekend's water emergency should provide a boost for Holliston's system, which has been in the works for about a year, LeBeau said.
"Prior to this weekend, while people certainly could recognize how useful it could be, we now kind of have almost an object lesson on how it can be used," he said.
Rather than rely on police and firefighters pounding the pavement this weekend to deliver warnings to residents, LeBeau said the town contracted with a company to deliver warnings via phone.
"I think that helped to demonstrate that the Reverse 911 system can be very effective," he said.
Following the terror attacks of 9/11 and, more recently, emergencies like hurricanes Katrina and Rita, public safety officials are beginning to realize the importance -- and difficulty -- of getting reliable, accurate information to the public.
To tackle the problem, many are turning to companies like Indianapolis-based Sigma Communications, which developed the technology now marketed as "Reverse 911."
"You wouldn't believe how busy we are," Sigma Vice President of Sales and Marketing Steve Warren said. "It's very interesting to see the awareness pick up. Most (people) are finding out that technology is your friend in this situation."
"It's very useful," Marlborough Emergency Management Director Don Cusson said yesterday.
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Marlborough Emergency Management Directory Don Cusson demonstrates the Reverse 911 system. (Lisa Cassidy photo) |
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