Jul 17, 2008 5:46 pm US/Mountain
Denver Provides Emergency Alert Texts For DNC
Written by Amanda Larsen for cbs4denver.com
DENVER (CBS4) ―
Anyone who is in Denver during the Democratic National Convention next month can sign up for the city's new emergency alert system.
The alert system will send out messages via text or e-mail about possible dangers and threats. City leaders also may broadcast alerts about unexpected road closures during the event.
The system is active now and already has more than 1,000 subscribers. It's being managed by a group called the Colorado Emergency Preparedness Partnership, whose goal is to "enhance disaster preparedness and response in the Denver Metro area."
Ellis Stanley, Director of DNC planning for Denver's Office of Emergency Management, said CEPP's program fills a gap. "At the end of the day we are all in this together whenever we are faced with disasters."
The messaging system is supported by MissionMode, a leading provider of emergency notifications and crisis management software.
All messages are provided and approved by public safety officials.
Everyone who does subscribe will be automatically unsubscribed on Sept. 30. It's not known at this point if the city will continue the alert system after that date.
A few other emergency text messaging alert systems are already in place across the state.
CBS4 News has its own alert system. We send out breaking news, weather updates, and Broncos alerts to our subscribers.
The system warned Katheryn Reynolds in Greeley of the tornado heading towards her town on May 22.
Alerts about that same tornado also were sent out through Colorado State University's emergency alert system. Students, staff and faculty were given warnings to take cover. The massive tornado came within 10 miles of campus.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Department has offered emergency alerts and warnings since the county partnered with a company called GovDelivery in 2007. Subscribers can sign up for the alerts via email, or by phone if the phone accept texts.
Erie is one of several Colorado communities that is considering instituting a similar program for its residents.
Additional Resources You can subscribe to receive the messages from CEPP by visiting
www.thecepp.org. The messages are free.
More Convention Stories
• For complete coverage of the planning for the 2008 Democratic convention in Denver, as well as information about how to volunteer and for a list of helpful links, visit the
Denver 2008 DNC Convention Section.
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