GOOD NEWS — Thankfully the school just called to report that the missing child has just been found, moments before they were about to issue an Amber Alert. She had gone home with another child as they hoped had been the case.
THANK YOU — Thank you to everyone for your eyes and ears. Thanks to LPD for bringing out the K9 unit to assist in this search.
NOT SO GOOD NEWS — However, in this process I discovered that our reverse 9-1-1 system is not currently operational.
The reverse 9-1-1 system is an emergency notification system that sends automatic telephone calls to alert residents of an emergency situation. When operational, it can target all residents or just those residents in a specific area affected. It should also allow residents to register their cell phone number in the system to be alerted by text message.
If our police, fire, or other public safety office needed to let citizens across the city or in a specific area of the city know about an Amber alert or emergency situation (e.g. police chase in the neighborhood, gas main break, chemical spill, emergency evacuation etc.) they would not currently be able to do this.
Most cities have these emergency infrastructures in place.
Our city is dependent upon Ingham County for these operations. I am uncertain about why the system has not yet been up and running but will seek to learn more and share that information with you.
In the meantime, if you have concerns about this situation I would urge you to contact your Ingham County Commissioner and your City Council Representatives.
Thank you
Melissa S. Quon Huber, Ph.D.
Averill Woods Neighborhood Association
Sept 30, 2009 5:50 p.m.
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