EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION TECHNOLOGY HELPS JACKSONVILLE BRACE FOR HURRICANE SEASON
Advanced Communications Software to Call Residents at Home, Mobilize First Responders, Protect Community
Jacksonville, FL – With the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season well underway, several Jacksonville area public safety operations are preparing for future storms by using an innovative emergency notification system to warn residents in harm’s way and mobilize first responders.
Seven organizations in the Jacksonville area have 24/7 access to DCC’s (Dialogic Communications Corporation) emergency notification software, proven to automatically reach key audiences in times of crisis. The technology, used extensively during the 2004 season, was highly successfully in alerting response teams and communicating with local communities before, during and after hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan. Most recently, it was used as Dennis wreaked havoc in the panhandle.
How is emergency notification technology being used in Jacksonville?
• Evacuate Residents
• Share Shelter Information
• Provide Hotline Numbers
• Update Community on Ongoing Clean-Up Efforts
• Notify Residents of Water/Ice Distribution Points
• Mobilize First Responders &
If activated in the event of an emergency, residents will receive a computer-generated phone message that could contain such important information as evacuation routes, shelter locations and/or hotline numbers.
“In a matter of minutes, the technology can send thousands of messages simultaneously,” said Gene Kirby, DCC’s president and CEO. “Fast communication during a hurricane can save lives. With a volatile hurricane season now underway, it is important for the people in and around Jacksonville to know they have a powerful alert system in place for their own protection.”
Aside from communicating with residents, emergency notification technology is also used to mobilize first responders, EMS professionals and volunteers. The software can automatically contact these individuals using all available communications devices (e.g., phone, pager, cell, email, etc.), and intelligently fill positions until the required teams are assembled.
In 2004, public safety operations throughout Florida used DCC’s technology to keep these groups in constant communication before, during and after the season’s deadly storms. First responders came together when and where they were needed most. Volunteers gathered to set up supply tents and shelters inside areas that were hardest hit. Government officials stayed abreast of the clean-up efforts and shared information with other agencies and neighboring counties.
“Hurricane preparation and response takes a team effort,” continued Kirby. “That’s why emergency notification technology is invaluable. It provides the true heroes – first responders, law enforcement, public safety professionals and volunteers – with the information they need to do what they do best.”
Many of the counties equipped with the technology also use it to help with clean-up and recovery long after the storms have passed. For example, in 2004, volunteer groups across the state received instructional information, such as where to report for work and what areas needed additional manpower. At the same time, residents received information on water and ice distribution points, as well as messages detailing their community’s ongoing clean-up plan.
From severe weather response to missing children alerts, public safety organizations throughout the U.S. depend daily on DCC’s emergency notification technology. Not only was it used extensively during the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season, but also for the Northeastern blackout of 2003 and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
About DCC
DCC (Dialogic Communications Corporation) is the leading provider of emergency notification technology in the public safety sector. The company’s on-premise and hosted critical communications solutions are used by hundreds of federal, state and local operations everyday, ensuring their readiness for virtually any emergency or routine situation. The company was established in 1982 and is located in Franklin, TN (a suburb of Nashville). To learn more about DCC’s innovative emergency notification technology and its unrivaled track record in public safety, contact DCC Marketing at 800.723.3207 or visit www.dccusa.com.
