In case of emergency : Notification system could be in place soon
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The city is close to implementing an emergency notification system for its residents in the event of severe weather, or worse.
Members of the city's Emergency Management Committee - formerly the Disaster Preparedness ad-hoc committee - learned of the new system at their May 7 meeting.
"It's still coming, but they don't have a date yet," Bella Vista Police Chief Jim Wozniak told the group.
Similar to reverse 911 capabilities, the notification system would work in conjunction with Benton County's 911 database and could be used to pinpoint and notify residents in a predetermined area of the city. When implemented, in the event of a possible crisis or disaster, emergency messages sent by an automated-dialing system can be launched quickly to all affected residents who have a listed phone number. The system can make thousands of calls per hour and provides immediate interaction with recipients using a recorded message.
"(Residents ) can opt in or out of the system, even with cell phones," Wozniak added.
Bella Vistans can also call the city's emergency hotline at 855-8201 and listen to a prerecorded message with updated information on an impending or current dis- aster. The hotline allows up to 14 callers to listen to the message at one time, while leaving fewer calls for the Bella Vista Police and Fire departments to field.
Members also discussed plans for the city's second annual Public Safety Day, tentatively scheduled for September.
"I think the public needs to know what's available during an emergency," committee member Ed Zegler said.
Representatives with the Fire and Police departments, as well as the Bella Vista Ambulance Service, will be on hand to show the public how well they can respond in the event of an emergency.
The committee also discussed inviting the National Guard, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, which offered to bring one of its mobile kitchens to the event.
Not only can the Salvation Army cook up hot dogs for the public during Public Safety Day, it will also show residents how the unit can be used to feed victims of a severe storm or other calamity.
"If we have a structure fire, they can bring out a mobile kitchen to help feed them (the victims )," Bella Vista Fire Chief Steve Sims said.
As for the committee's name change, members agreed on the new moniker following the City Council's decision to make it a standing group. Members discussed assembling a permanent structure, including an overall statement of purpose and basic goals.
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