Blackboard Connect representatives said their computerized Connect-CTY program can make thousands of calls within minutes, providing every residence and business in Belchertown with a brief recorded message in case of emergencies.

By JOHN APPLETON
The Republican

BELCHERTOWN, Mass. — The town's automated system for emergency calls to residents and businesses is operational and will kick off with a test call to participants Tuesday.

The system has the listed telephone numbers for all Belchertown residences and businesses, and town officials are urging people without listed numbers to provide them so they will not be left out in case of notifications of emergencies.

The Board of Selectmen got the program started by voting for a $9,772 one-year contract with Blackboard Connect, Inc., of Sherman Oaks, Calif., which owns and operates the system, called Connect-CTY.

Blackboard Connect representatives said their computerized Connect-CTY program can make thousands of calls within minutes, providing every residence and business in Belchertown with a brief recorded message in case of emergencies.

"Implementation of the Connect-CTY service will give Belchertown safety officials a greater ability to communicate urgent issues to the community, such as public health and safety advisories and inclement weather warnings and will increase the town's overall emergency preparedness efforts," said Kevin J. Hannon, the town's director of information technology.

The town administrator, police chief, fire chief, health director and public works director will have the authority to initiate the calls, which can go to the entire town or to neighborhoods or other sub-sections.

Town officials had discussed the potential for using this system for notifications and reminders of events such as a Town Meeting, but for now it will only be used for emergencies.

Those with listed phone numbers may opt out of the program, but Hannon said, "We strongly recommend against it."

There is no additional cost to the town for adding telephone numbers to the call list.

The town will pay just the annual contract price, regardless of how many numbers are on the list or how many times the system is used in a year.

Residents may add their cell phone or unlisted phone numbers to the call list by following a few steps at the Connect-CTY emergency call sign-up option on the www.belchertown.org home page, or by calling (413) 323-0403.

Phone numbers may be removed from the emergency call list if people decided they want their numbers taken off.

Blackboard Connect representatives guarantee that the phone numbers and any other personal information in its system will not be provided to any other company.

Copyright 2008 The Republican