Your phone buzzes, with a text: “A water main near your home has ruptured. Water service will be interrupted while the city of Newton repairs the issue.”
Quick, simple and convient— at least that is the goal behind a new notification system installed by the city.
The City of Newton has launched a Community Notification System to alert residents by text, email or phone call for local emergency situations and relevant community advisories.
“I think people are going to like this,” said Erin McDaniel, public information officer for the city of Newton. “I think people are starting to expect this kind of technology from their governments.”
City residents can sign up for the alerts, and customize what alerts they receive. The city can also customize the alerts it sends — zoning alerts to specific neighborhoods if need be.
According to McDaniel, alerts will be sent for urgent matters that could affect life and property, like severe weather warnings, police and fire activity, boil orders and public health emergencies. Advisories will be sent to residents regarding water main breaks, major road closures, trash pickup delays and other city service information.
(Read more: Newton Kansan)