The Emergency Preparedness Network has been established in our community to assist emergency services personnel in informing community members of impending danger, to seek assistance (i.e an Amber Alert), and to facilitate an early warning system by utilizing our current communication center to call your home phone number with a pre-recorded message.

How it Works

• The Emergency Preparedness Network is based on the 911 database. Every time a new number is given out it is added to the list (regardless of whether the number is listed in the phone book or not). This means that EVERYONE in a given geographical area will be called if an emergency arises.
• Emergency Management officials can activate the EPN in a specified area by using an online or telephone system any time, day or night. Officials can also map out the affected area, record the message and send it on its way with the click of a mouse. Within moments, calls simultaneously reach the affected community to deliver warnings and critical safety instructions.
• The EPN uses the 911 database as its source for telephone numbers and is able to process up to 2,000 numbers per minute. The system also has a callback feature that ensures the message is delivered.
• Both published and non-published numbers are dialed and the EPN will leave a message if an answering machine picks up. If the EPN reaches a busy signal, the system will try back three times to reach the intended party.
  

Tips On Receiving a Message From the EPN System

• The EPN system message will not go through if you have a block on your phone.
• Deactivate privacy features on your phone by dialing *78. To reactivate the service, dial *78.
• Deactivate privacy features remotely by dialing 1-888-303-8052, then follow the prompts.
• Deactivate Selective Call Acceptance by dialing *64. To reactivate the service, dial *64.
• Don't call 911 after you are alerted by the EPN system unless the message directs you to do so. Calling 911 in this instance jams the 911 lines for other emergencies.
• You may repeat the EPN system message. Just follow the prompts the system gives you.
• The EPN system generates your phone number to Emergency Management officials, not your name. Your privacy is not compromised.
• Don't hang up in the middle of the EPN message. The entire message must be left for the system to notify Emergency Management officials that it was received.