City Wants to Connect with Residents

The city has officially launched Blackboard Connect, a mass notification system that enables public safety officials to keep residents informed, and is asking residents to sign up for the service. 

The service can automatically generate mass phone calls in minute and also sends email and text messages (SMS), and can post on Facebook. Messages can also be sent to TTY/TDD devices for people who are hearing impaired.

“With Blackboard Connect, we know our residents are receiving the information that matters most to them, whether it’s an urgent situation or routine community update,” said Mayor Arthur Vigeant. “I strongly encourage residents to register their contact information and update their message preferences into the system’s secure database so they are prepared to receive important notifications.”

The City of Marlborough implemented Blackboard Connect so officials can stay connected to residents and efficiently provide them with direction in the event of urgent situations such as severe weather or missing persons. Using Blackboard Connect, officials can record and send an unlimited number of personalized voice messages to home and mobile phones, businesses, and local law enforcement agencies in just minutes.

City officials can target each message to an unlimited number of groups.

Authorized users can use the system’s geo-mapping and group subscription features to contact residents based on specific geographical locations and interests, so recipients receive the most relevant, targeted information on topics important to them.

While publicly available primary residential and business phones in Marlborough will automatically be included in the system, residents are encouraged to visit the city website to provide their complete contact information.

Users can also manage their message preferences by indicating their preferred mode of contact, language and message topics. Those without Internet access, or who need assistance, are encouraged to call the City’s Information Technology Department at (508) 460-3762 or visit the public library for computer access.

“Targeted communication is the best way to keep residents safe by providing the information that matters most to them,” said Ed Miller, president of Blackboard Connect. “With Blackboard Connect, administrators can ensure the right messages get to the right people.”