CT, VA use Reverse 911 for automated messages to public

Cities, towns and counties in Connecticut and Virginia will be able to send recorded messages to thousands of people in the event of an emergency using Reverse 911 technology, Government Computer News reports.

With the Connecticut and Virginia contracts, Reverse 911 is now the approved notification system provider in four states, a company spokeswoman said. The wins have all resulted from competitive bids, she added.

Reverse 911 uses database and geographic information systems (GIS) technology to target message recipients. The product may be used to notify residents in a given area of an emergency or to gather emergency management employees.

The Reverse 911 software is installed on hardware at the customer’s location. The 911 data and GIS maps reside on the dedicated hardware, the spokeswoman said. The company augments the customer’s on-site calling capability with an off-site service that increases the volume and speed of the outbound calls, she said.