The state representative behind emergency alerting legislation in Connecticut says he doesn't want to take away authority for local officials to decide when to use their emergency alerting systems. However, Representative Clark Chapin (R-New Milford) wants it made clear that authorities should not use their alerting systems for "non-emergencies".
Chapin is particularly upset about use of an alerting system in Bridgeport to notify residents that polls would remain open for a couple of extra hours because of a balloting problem. Chapin was also annoyed at receiving a call about flooding about six miles from his home.
Chapin's bill would limit use of alerting systems in Connecticut to "life threatening emergencies". Chapin told us, "If you're going to use these systems for non-emergency informational notifications, people should have the right to opt out." He likes criteria to be used for the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS). CMAS, esstentially cell broadcast, will be restricted to "imminent threats", Amber alerts, and Presidential messaging when it launches in 2012. Mobile devices will come loaded with what's needed to receive the three types of alerts. If the public wants to opt out, they can do so for imminent threats and Amber Alerts, not Presidential messages.
Speaking out against the bill at a recent hearing was Francis Willett, a Connecticut emergency management professional who was hired by a vendor to help put a statewide notification system in place. Willett told the legislature's public safety committee that "restricting the flow of the vital information to our residents can hamper their safety and how the emergency services of those towns will communicate to the residents before, during and after an incident".
No doubt about it, public safety officials need to use their alerting systems with care. But, is a law really needed to tell them how to do it?
All the best,
Rick
Galain Solutions, Inc. is the nation's premier independent consulting firm aimed at helping public safety agencies evaluate, implement and integrate effective emergency notification solutions and programs. For more information, visit www.galainsolutions.com.
