Commonly asked Questions Re: Reverse 911

Posted by GSVentura -

Q. When will R911 be used to contact me?
A. We may call you with information updates that pertain to your neighborhood.We may call you to invite you to a community meeting. We may call to give you health advisories. We may call you for evacuation warnings or orders.

Q. How does R911 call my phone?
A. R911 is a combination of computer technology and telecommunication technology. On our computer we can draw a map selecting an area we need to make a notification to. We then use a command to queue via our database of all listed and unlisted phone numbers for that selected area. We record our message and using a bank of phones, send an automated call to you.

Always remember that emergency notifications are made through several sources, such as R911, the media, Sheriff's Search and Rescue personnel going door to door with Law Enforcement, and Emergency Personnel using P.A. systems to name a few. If you receive an evacuation call, check with your neighbors to insure they received the message as well.

Q. What if R911 gets a busy signal?
A. We may try multiple times. We also get a report telling us what numbers were busy.

Q. What if R911 gets my answering machine?
A. We can and usually will leave a message.

Q. What if I use a cell phone as my primary home phone?
A. The newly upgraded Sheriff’s Department Website will have a Reverse 911 link allowing residents to register their cell phone numbers.

Q. Will R911 work if I have Call Blocking?
A. We can get through caller ID, if you have a caller ID window the ID will read "Sheriff's Alert".

Q. Will R911 work if I have an external telemarketer blocker?
A. External telemarketer blockers may block the call. Consider removing the device during emergencies.

Q. Will R911 work if I have an unlisted number?
A. Yes, the Sheriff's Department receives weekly updates of both listed and unlisted numbers from the phone company.

Q. Will R911 work if I have phone service through my Internet Service Provider or VOIP?
A. Yes.

Q. Can I receive a text message on my cell phone?
A. Soon!! The Reverse 911 system has text messaging capabilities. Sheriff's Department personnel will be receiving training from Reverse 911 in the near future on how to incorporate this into their notification procedures. Like cell phones, this will require citizen’s to complete an on-line form providing us with the necessary information. Landlines remain the most reliable means for notification, as text messaging, cell phones and the internet can frequently experience spotty reception, dropped calls and delayed messages.

Original Post 11/13/2008

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