The District of Squamish is implementing a new service provider for the SquamishAlert emergency notification system.
The District says the new provider, Voyent Alert!, will improve the delivery, access and speed in which residents are notified of information. Residents who were already subscribed to the old system will be automatically signed up to receive notifications from the new system, says the District.
“This is an incredibly valuable tool that could provide critical life-saving information in the event of an emergency or evacuation,” said Mayor Karen Elliott in a news release from the District.
The District says that the alert system allows them to provide critical information in the event of an emergency such as a wildfire, flood or debris flow. Additionally, subscribers can choose an optional day-to-day communication, which has weather, wildlife and campfire ban updates.
This update by the District comes on the heels of environmental emergencies devastating various communities across B.C.
“We’ve seen the devastation that has already hit the province this summer,” said Elliott.
“We have evacuees here in our community. Please, take a moment to be prepared. Make a grab-and-go kit. Know your evacuation zone. Get this app. It will help you when you need it the most.”
Residents who are not subscribed can do so at squamish.ca/alert to start receiving emergency notifications. To register, residents will have to provide either their postal code or address and either their phone number or email address.
Once registered, residents can select the area they would like to receive notifications about and whether to be notified through the app, text, email, voice or all of the above.
The system will release a notification when the public is asked to take immediate action such as evacuating or sheltering in place. As well, the system works in conjunction with nearby municipalities in an effort to increase collaboration during emergency responses.
