Local Reverse 911 system reaching out in new ways

Posted: Mar 12, 2010 3:45 PM by KSBY News
Updated: Mar 12, 2010 3:45 PM

It's a valuable tool during an emergency and now the Reverse 911 system in Santa Barbara County has some new upgrades. Since 2005, the sheriff's department has utilized the Reverse 911 system. Back then, it could call virtually every landline in Santa Barbara County.

With the new upgrades, residents can register themselves on-line. They can also receive emergency messages through email and TTY messages for the hearing impaired.

During the Zaca fire in 2007, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department opened their Reverse 911 system to cell phones. A year later, the gap fire broke out and more than 15,000 people signed up to get emergency alerts. Joe Ayala, Dispatch Supervisor, said, "We decided as the system is getting older we need to make some improvements." The improvements include emergency messages through email and TTY messages for the hearing impaired. Another new feature, you can now register to receive emergency alerts with a few clicks on the sheriff's department web site. Ayala said, "We're making it easier for the public to give us their information."

They're also highly recommending people give them their cell phone numbers for the Reverse 911 system. They said landlines are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Sergeant Tom Walton, Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, said, "We began refining our evacuation planning." They've also improved their mapping system. "We've identified vulnerable populations such as nursing facilities, retirement homes, hospitals, clinics," said Sgt. Walton. All first responders in Santa Barbara County have access to that information. It's meant to keep you save the next time disaster strikes.

With the new changes, the Reverse 911 system will be able to make about 7,000 phone calls an hour. Currently, its only been able to make around 1,500 phone calls an hour. To register, you can log on to www.sbsheriff.org. Click on the Reverse 911 link. The information will not be shared for any other purposes.