The Richmond region’s new intermunicipal civil security organization, the OIMSC, will be carrying out the first public test of its electronic alert system this coming Thursday afternoon. According to Rémi-Mario Mayette, OIMSC coordinator, over 200 people should receive a text message, email or phone call on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. to indicate that the system is working.
Like other similar systems already in place in other communities, the alert system will be used as a tool to help rapidly inform citizens of emergency situations like flood risks, evacuation orders, and stay-home notices, as well as more mundane uses like informing the public about road closures, boil-water advisories, and work notices.
Mayette said that it should be clear without feedback from the community whether the system worked properly or not, but he did note that registration is still open to anyone who did not already sign up.
“The more citizens there are registered, the faster emergency information will be relayed to the population,” he said. “This alert tool is very powerful and makes it possible to quickly reach citizens affected by an emergency, wherever they are. We invite all citizens to register now which will ensure the effectiveness of any alerts that may be sent.”
English information on the alert system is available on the Cleveland township website: http://www.cleveland.ca/en/alert-information, although the online registration form is only available in French. It is also possible to register in person at the Cleveland, Melbourne, Richmond, or Ulverton town halls if appropriate hygiene measures are followed.
Richmond region to test alert system Thursday
By Gordon Lambie
