Harbour Grace signs on to mass alert system

By Olivia Bradbury, The Shoreline/Local Journalism Initiative

Harbour Grace is the latest CBN town to subscribe to Voyent Alert, an American-based mass notification system for contacting residents during emergencies and to notify them of something as routine as a change in garbage collection.

Upper Island Cove and Spaniard’s Bay have been using the system for a while. At this month’s council meeting, councillor Lee Rogers announced Harbour Grace is now using the system, as well.

“We’re going to ask all residents to please register for this system,” said Rogers, who added a drop-in registration clinic was set for August 6 to help people sign up.

“This is a great system,” Rogers said. “Anything that goes on in the town, or any emergency situations, anything at all, can be broadcast over this system.”

Councillor Sherrie Reynolds asked how residents without smartphones can get the alerts.

Councillor Christina Hearn replied that Voyent can send also alerts to landlines, smartphones, and computers.

“This technology will meet you where you’re at,” said Hearn.

She acknowledged the first drop-in registration clinic was set for the local library, which is not wheelchair accessible. “It’s done based on location so if people can’t get to that one, don’t panic. I think the next one is at Otterbury Schoolhouse,” Hearn added.

The councillor commended Town staff for their efforts in getting the system operational. She also clarified that residents can choose the types of notifications they want to receive; they can choose emergency alerts only, or opt to receive community notices as well.