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State emergency notification system test under way 3:22 p.m., Oct. 26, 2005--The Delaware Emergency Management Agency and other emergency notification partners are testing the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) in selected areas through Thursday, Oct. 27. The system is fully operational for residents and businesses that have listed or registered unlisted telephone numbers. Tests will consist of a recorded test message and there is no need for action on the part of those receiving calls. Arthur Paul, DEMA planner and system administrator, said sections in each county and Wilmington will be selected to receive test phone messages. He said the system allows emergency messages to be delivered to a person answering the phone or to an answering machine. Those who use a cell phone as their primary phone may contact FirstCall Interactive Network, 866-484-3264, to register for the DENS list. The registration line is toll free and prompts callers through the registration process. Online registration is possible by going to [FirstCall.net] and completing a registration form. There is no cost to register. Paul said state officials hope that everyone who uses a cell phone for their household, or who has an unlisted number will take advantage of the opportunity to be included on the DENS list. He said a street address is necessary for cell phone users, and only one phone number per address is permitted. The confidentiality of unlisted phone numbers is protected and numbers are not shared with any other jurisdiction. In addition to the State Emergency Operations Center and the Delaware State Police Communications Center in Smyrna, activating points for the DENS include the primary emergency 911 centers in Kent and Sussex counties, the city of Wilmington, the Division of Public Health and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Should an emergency occur, entire cities or counties can be notified at the rate of 3,000 calls every 10 minutes. Delaware has the option of using prescripted messages created for generic use or of recording a message specific to an event. Paul said the system can be activated by an authorized person contacting FirstCall around-the-clock operators, or by using a private Internet network. Both methods require a confidential system of account numbers, user identifications and access code numbers. DENS messages will include the name of the agency that activates the system, type of emergency, protective actions, if any, and resources for additional information. Appropriate Emergency Alert System radio stations and television stations will be included for the call recipient to access for more detailed information. For more information about DENS, call Arthur Paul at (302) 659-3362. To register a phone number and address, call FirstCall at 866-484-3264. To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here. |
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