Vernon Officials Touting Local Alert System

VERNON, CT — As Vernon gets deeper into winter, municipal officials are touting the town's alert system.

The town of Vernon has a community notification system called "Alert Vernon" that
allows town officials to quickly share emergency and other timely information with town residents via phone, text message and email.

"Signing up for the Alert Vernon system ensures residents will receive reliable information about events and incidents affecting Vernon," Mayor Dan Champagne said.

The Alert Vernon system, powered by industry leader Everbridge, also allows residents to receive non-emergency information about local news, such as delays in refuse collection, road construction and community events.

"With the Alert Vernon notification system, residents can choose what information they want to receive and how they want to receive it," Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said.

Non-emergency notification topics include:

• General announcements
• Parks and Recreation
• Library
• Public works, roads and trash collection
• Senior Center
• Community Events

Emergency notification topics could include:

• Severe weather
• Natural or man-made disasters
• Evacuations
• Sheltering
• Hazardous materials
• Public health and safety

Non-emergency notifications are generally sent by email and/or text message. Emergency notifications are delivered by text message, email and/or phone call.

"Reaching residents to inform them about emergencies, community news and events in Vernon is a challenge because people get information in different ways,” David Owens, Vernon’s Communications Specialist, said. "We are able to reach some residents through traditional media, such as newspapers and television. Others we can reach through social media and online news outlets. But reaching everyone is our goal and that’s why we urge residents to sign up for Alert Vernon and to opt to receive notifications through email or text message."

To sign up for Alert Vernon, residents can visit the town website, www.vernon-ct.gov, then click on "Alert Vernon" at the top of the page.

Those having with difficulty registering online, you can call 860-870-3574, Monday through Thursday, during regular business hours for assistance.