Mass Notification system to be implemented in Bow Island 

By Brylan Span
Commentator/Courier

A Mass Notification Policy was adopted during the March 25 Bow Island town council meeting. The policy statement states that the purpose of the policy is to “establish a systematic and efficient framework for communicating crucial information to residents in our community. The primary objectives are to ensure the safety, well-being, and informed participation of residents by promptly disseminating emergency alerts, important dates, and local events through various communication channels. This policy specifically outlines the procedures for sending notifications via text message, email, and voice message.”

The first objective of the mass notification policy is emergency notifications. The ten listed events that can trigger an emergency notification are natural disasters, public safety threats,  severe weather warnings, evacuation orders, health emergencies, infrastructure failures, missing persons alerts, community-wide alerts, terror threats, and other immediate hazards.

The second objective is local events and important dates. The policy states that the purpose of this type of notification is to “notify residents of significant dates, such as community meetings, local elections, and other civic engagements, to ensure residents are aware of any deadlines or events that require their attention or participation, and to promote community engagement by informing residents about upcoming local events and activities.

The policy states that all Bow Island residents are “automatically opted in by default to receive emergency notifications for their safety and well-being,” but that municipal staff will establish an process for residents wishing to opt-out of all notifications. The policy also states that “Municipal staff may establish a separate opt-in and opt-out process for residents interested in receiving non-emergency communications, clearly outlining available communication types and provide options for preferred methods of receiving notifications,” and that “staff should clearly communicate that residents have the autonomy to participate in both emergency and non- emergency communications and that this system is voluntary.”

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