The minute there’s an emergency,
Mt. Lebanon residents have access to the latest information on what to do.
The South Hills community is among the first the region to offer a state-of-the-art phone, cell phone and email alert system. Called
LeboALERT, the system apprises residents on everything from an impending hurricane, gas spills, crime wave or—God forbid—an assassin on the loose.
“Ever since 911 communities across the country have been thinking about security and realizing that something terrible you don’t expect can happen anytime,” explains Susan Morgans, public information officer. “Basically we want people to know right away what is happening, what is happening next and where to go for more information.”
The borough spent about $29,000 on the two-component system. Residents and businesses are automatically on dial-up and will receive short, pre-recorded messages on their main phones that explain the nature of the emergency and what to do. Residents and non-residents may sign up on email to receive short, non-emergency messages by email or text message about special events, job openings, road work or fireworks cancellations.
About 197 residents have enlisted to date to receive the non-emergency information, says Nick Schalles, manager of information technology. The non-emergency system allows users to select how and what type of information they prefer to receive and users may change their setting options as often as they wish.
“This is definitely the way of the future,” says Schalles. “Lots of colleges and universities are doing it. We are the only ones in the region that have a custom designed system to do what we can do.”
Registration is required for non-emergency notifications. To sign up, click
here.
To receive Pop City free each week, click
here.
Writer:
Debra Diamond SmitSource: Susan Morgans, Nick Schalles, Mt. Lebanon