The Communications Committee has had several discussions concerning the Armstrong Alert System and Emergency Warnings for Falls Run. The following is a synopsis of the discussion and our recommendations.
Natural Disasters
e.g. hurricanes, tornadoes, sleet,
severe weather watches and warnings Stafford County, NOAA, Radio & TV
Technological Disasters
e.g. chemical spills, nuclear reactor
failures, traffic snarls and accidents Stafford County, Radio & TV
Terrorism
e.g. mall shootings, sniper shootings,
bombings, etc. Stafford Co., Reverse 911, Radio & TV
Closings
e.g. school closings, government
closings, street closings, water shutoff, Stafford Co., Reverse 911, Radio & TV
Since Stafford County already has an alert system via cell phone (text messages) and email we should not duplicate those types of warning. The County is currently sending warnings about severe weather, school closings, traffic accidents, roads being closed etc. You must have a cell phone that accepts text messages and/or a computer that accepts email. County residents can sign up by going to www.staffordalert.com and sign up for either cell phone or email or both.
Stafford County also has a reverse 911 telephone system. This system dials residence phone numbers in a specific area. If you have a residence phone number you are included. They have used it only twice in the past two years that it was available. The County will use it for lost child situations, hostage/gunman situations, bank robberies, etc. This system can be neighborhood specific and takes some time to send a message to everyone in a defined area.
There is also the NOAA radio system that contains alerts on violent weather such as tornadoes, thunder-storms, snow, sleet etc. Residents can buy a battery powered NOAA radio at most electronic stores. National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration broadcasts 24/7 with weather reports, warnings, watches, etc.
NW’s committee on emergencies is chaired by Bill Smith and Earl Henry. The Emergency Action Group’s efforts are not too extensive at this time. They have developed check lists for residents and would take a FR Alert System into their planning. They have been added to our website under Resources information for FEMA Disaster Supplies Kits.
NW also has information on the location of handicapped residents, who will need special warnings for emergencies especially ones that require evacuation.
The State of Virginia currently requests that residents make basic plans for their family and residence in case of an emergency or an evacuation. Information is available at: www.vaperforms.virginia.gov. This is a coordinated effort with federal agencies.
Falls Run (FR) Alert System
The Armstrong Alert System is available to Falls Run as an emergency notification system. It is available to both email addresses and resident phone numbers. Armstrong will use existing information supplied by residents for the Directory. Residents will be able to opt out of the FR Alert System if they so wish.
There is a one-hour lag time in the FR Alert System. It does take some time to dial 784 residences and leave a recorded message. The email system is faster but does not cover every residence.
Communication Committee recommends the following:
1, The FR Alert System should not be used for the alerts/warnings provided to us by Stafford County, NOAA, radio and TV stations. Another alert system is not needed for the four basic emergencies listed above.
2. The FR Alert System should be used for specific situations that affect Falls Run Residents only. (e.g. closing of the Center, a water main break, street excavation or street closing, snow removal etc.)
3. The FR Alert System should be activated by the President or Vice President of the FRCA BOD in consultation with the Property Manager and the Activities Director. The Property Manager is responsible for sending the alert message to Armstrong’s office in Fairfax for distribution by both email and telephone to all residents.
Final Draft Communication Committee, January 10, 2008
FRCA Board of Directors Approval, February 27, 2008