For Immediate Release

September 17, 2007

REVERSE 911^® Emergency Notification System is being implemented in Darien

The Town of Darien in conjunction with a grant from the CT Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security recently purchased a Reverse 911® system. The emergency notification system was recently installed and personnel trained in August.  Now the town has a new way to get the word out in the event of an emergency.  But, in order to reach out to as many of its residents and businesses the town must begin collecting their contact information. The system’s database currently contains only telephone numbers that are listed phone numbers from AT&T and other commercially available data.

Utilizing that data leaves out a significant portion of the community that utilize VOIP phone service (voice over internet protocol), unlisted phone numbers, or cellular mobile devices as their main point of contact.  Therefore a person may choose to be included in the database by going on line at the Town of Darien website to register online at http://www.darienct.gov .  Located on-line will be links to register on the homepage for the town and the town’s emergency services websites, or by visiting the Fire Marshal’s office at town hall. Just look for the “Click here to Register-Reverse 911” image on the webpage. 

“This enables the towns’ first responders to initiate a mass calling of the community with a single recorded message informing residents of emergency action steps that they should take, in a timely manner.” Emergency Management Director Marc McEwan stated.

REVERSE 911^® combines its calling data and utilizes GIS mapping technology to geographically target and notify affected individuals.  Users simply outline the targeted area on the online map, record a voice message, and then launch the session.  Simultaneously, REVERSE 911^® dials all phone numbers in the designated calling zone.  Alternatively, users can launch calls from lists of numbers that can be pre-built and re-used.  Notification results are immediately available which provide call session statistics. This real-time detail is extremely helpful during door-to-door evacuations.

“Communication is critically important in times of an emergency. The Reverse 911® system allows us to reach every Darien resident, during a time when each minute counts” said First Selectwoman Evonne Klein.

REVERSE 911^® can send notification to land lines, cell phones, alpha and digital pagers, fax machines, email addresses and TTY/TDD devices (for hearing impaired).  Residents can add their cell phone or alternate phone number to the Reverse 911® database by visiting the Town of Darien homepage www.darienct.gov , or the Office of Emergency Management website at www.darienct.gov/oem and by clicking on the “click here to register REVERSE 911® icon.

For more information regarding REVERSE 911^®, please visit www.reverse911.com.

END OF RELEASE

About REVERSE 911^®

REVERSE 911^® is used to make outbound notifications in hundreds of communities across North America.  REVERSE 911^® provides communities, schools/universities, and businesses with an effective communication strategy for rapidly notifying people in times of crisis such as natural disasters or chemical spills.  REVERSE 911^® is also a useful tool for reporting missing children or for distributing crime alerts.

REVERSE 911^® combines mapping technologies with 9-1-1 calling data in an easy-to-use interface which allows users to activate messages in minutes.  Recipients of a REVERSE 911^® notification may also provide feedback resulting in an immediate report of those who require additional assistance.

Media Contact:

Kelli Schmith, Director of Marketing

REVERSE 911^®

6720 Parkdale Place, Indianapolis, IN 46254

800-247-2363 ext. 8603

kbschmith@reverse911.com