The fires raging through Fort McMurray and many other emergencies and disasters prove once again that real-time and accurate information from first hand sources are key to ensure the community’s safety.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the people that have to flee their homes and to the many emergency response teams that are involved in fighting the fires in and around Fort McMurray and who co-ordinate evacuees to safe shelters and supply them with all the necessities,” says Mayor Ian Hamilton.
“In this difficult time, we once again realize how important it is to be prepared as much as possible – as (an) Emergency Management Team and as an entire community. We certainly encourage all our residents to provide whatever assistance you can to the citizens of Fort McMurray during these catastrophic times.”
In 2015 the City of North Battleford has launched the North Battleford Rapid Alert Notification System for the purpose of being able to quickly and reliably reach residents, staff and emergency personnel in case of critical events, such as severe weather, fires, floods and other emergencies.
The City is working with Everbridge, the worldwide leader in unified critical communication. While residents that are listed in the North Battleford Yellow and White Pages will automatically be subscribed to alerts by phone (landline), the North Battleford Rapid Alert Notification System allows citizens to self-register, provide additional contact information or opt out.
The advantage of the Everbridge System is that messages will be sent to residents on their preferred contact paths, be it cellphone, text message, home phone, email, fax, pager and more, to ensure real-time access to potentially lifesaving information.
