Emergency Notification Systems

This section of our technical library presents articles written about Emergency Alert Systems and Disaster Recovery definitions, terms and related information.

The 911Broadcast emergency notification and alert service can deliver a large number of phone calls using a network of phone systems employing digital phone lines simultaneously. Should a disaster such as a snow storm, wild fire or flood hit your area, 911Broadcast systems can alert your community quickly providing specific instructions if an evacuation is required.

This service is available using our emergency broadcasting systems. If a dangerous chemical spill occurs in your community, you can target specific areas to call. If a severe snow storm hits your area, your community can be notified of school closings or event cancellations.

Contact:Pam Locke (703) 228-3952

ARLINGTON, Va. (Wed., April 30)—Arlington County today launched its new Community Alert System, a real-time emergency text messaging service designed to inform community members — who live or work in Arlington — of emergencies and public safety incidents. Arlington offers a fully redundant, reliable, scalable, tested, functional and operational emergency communication system. The Community Alert System is hosted and managed in Arlington's state-of-the-art network operations center, offering an uninterrupted high-speed power source.

The County originally launched the system in November 2002 for its first responders and Emergency Management Team members and has now expanded it to include anyone who lives or works in Arlington.

"Since 9/11 we have made it a priority for community members to be as informed as possible during an emergency," said Paul Ferguson, chairman of the Arlington County Board. "The Community Alert System is a prime example of Arlington’s commitment to enhancing public safety communications and preparing our community to respond to any type of emergency."

Registered users will receive real-time text message alert notifications via cell phones, pagers, personal digital assistants [PDA] and/or e-mail accounts.

Arlington System Unique in the Region

While other jurisdictions offer community service messaging services, Arlington offers a robust, secure system, supported by the County’s state-of-the-art data center. Arlington’s Community Alert System:

• Is a fully redundant, reliable, scalable, tested, functional and operational emergency communication system, hosted and managed in Arlington's state-of-the-art network operations center, offering an uninterrupted high-speed power source.
• Is part of Arlington’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan; Community Alert System protocols manage the authorization of emergency alert messages.
• Is an expansion of the system on which Arlington County relies to communicate instantly with its emergency management and first responders.
• Links emergency management, first responders, all County employees, more than 200 building managers and the entire community.
• Can easily integrate with other community alert systems.
• Uses the proven technology of Roam Secure Alert Network, which has tested the system over two years with millions of messages.