Hillsborough Offers Update On Emergency Alert system

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — During July, the Hillsborough Township Emergency Alert system migrated from Swift Reach to RAVE/Smart 911, and the data transfer carried over the complete and total listing of everyone who had previously signed up for alerts but did not transfer the alert subscription lists or delivery preferences.

"We understand that this has been frustrating for many residents and those who no longer reside in Hillsborough and are receiving unwanted emergency alerts," stated Committeeman and Public Safety Liaison Doug Tomson.

RAVE, the new emergency alert provider, advised the Township’s OEM Department that the best way to stop the excessive, unwanted alerts is to discontinue the use of the list brought over from the old system and create NEW ALERT LISTS.

After subscribers opt into Smart911 and update their preferences, the old call list will be disabled.

To expedite this process and stop the unwanted alerts, Hillsborough residents are asked to complete this by the end of October.

It is strongly recommended that if you are receiving alerts, you log in and update your account preferences. Updating alert preferences requires that users log in Smart911 Emergency Alert System.

Once logged in, there is an option to update contact information, subscribe to alert lists, and indicate the preferred method of alert delivery, such as text only, email or phone. Forgotten passwords, user IDs, or both can be retrieved by clicking the corresponding links and resetting them. If users are unsuccessful in accessing their old accounts, a new account should be created.

Options for alerts users may choose to subscribe to include:

• Road Closures
• Weather
• Health
• Emergency Alerts
• All Alerts

The Smart911 system also offers a variety of additional emergency responder options that may be included in the individual profile section such as:

• home address
• additional family members in the household
• vehicles
• pets
• emergency contact names and numbers
• preferred providers
• preferred Hospital

There are several choices in which an individual may elect to receive the alerts, so be sure you choose the option best suited for your needs:

• Phone call
• Text Message
• Email

Users can check or uncheck the appropriate boxes in accordance with their preferences. A comprehensive downloadable app is also available on Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Residents may also opt to be removed from the Emergency Alert list entirely by using the following link Removal Request Form. Keep in mind, if you choose this option, you will no longer receive any alerts, such as road closures, from the Township.

Hillsborough Township appreciates your patience and understanding during this transition.

This press release was produced by the Hillsborough Township. The views expressed here are the author’s own.