Picayune Launches Blackboard Connect to Improve Emergency Preparedness and Communication

Oct. 28, 2009 - PRLog -- PICAYUNE, MS – The City of Picayune announced today it has launched the Blackboard Connect mass notification platform, enhancing community-wide communication and emergency preparedness. Picayune has implemented the Blackboard Connect platform so that city officials can directly notify, update and provide direction to the community in an efficient, timely manner, should a need arise. The first community-wide test call is schedule for Thursday, October 29, 2009.

With Blackboard Connect, officials can record, send and track personalized voice messages to thousands of residents, businesses, and local agencies in just minutes, through a single phone call. The city can also send text messages to cell phones, PDAs, e-mail accounts, and TTY/TDD receiving devices for the hearing impaired.

“Blackboard Connect is a multi-modal communication tool that will enhance our ability to rapidly disseminate important messages to residents,” said Keith Brown, Fire Chief of Picayune. “We can use Blackboard Connect across the board. Should we need to notify the entire community of a time-sensitive situation or an upcoming city event, or if we’d like send out utility reminders to specific groups, we are now prepared to do so quickly and efficiently.”

City administrators can target each message to an unlimited number of groups – everything from mobilizing emergency response teams to coordinating efforts with necessary agencies or volunteers. Authorized users can also use a map on the Blackboard Connect system to contact specific geographical locations, sending messages only to the residents within select neighborhoods when needed.  

“In time-sensitive situations, it’s pertinent that we be able to notify and provide instructions to residents quickly, whether they are at home, work or en route,” Brown said. “Residents who have publicly listed phone numbers are already included in the system, but this does not necessarily include their private phone lines, cell phone numbers or e-mails addresses, which is why it’s important for everyone to add their correct contact information into the Blackboard Connect database.”

Publicly available primary residential and business phones in Picayune will automatically be included in the system. However, residents can opt-in to provide their complete information, which may include up to three phone numbers and two e-mail addresses and indicate if they have a TTY/TDD device. By visiting the City of Picayune Web site (www.picayune.ms.us) and clicking on the link that says “SIGN UP NOW – SERVICES BY BLACKBOARD CONNECT,” residents can enter their information into the secure database. Those without Internet access can have their information added into the system by calling (601) 798-9770. Residents with call blocking services can make sure to receive the city’s time-sensitive calls by adding 601-798-9770 to their approved number list.

“The best way to keep residents informed, and therefore safe, is through communication and the Blackboard Connect platform makes it easy,” said Karl Engkvist, Executive Vice President of Blackboard Connect. “With the Blackboard Connect platform, administrators have a powerful tool to communicate quickly and efficiently with their community, without having to purchase new computers, software and telephone lines.”

For more information on the Blackboard Connect platform please visit http://www.blackboard.com/Alert-Notification/Connect-Plat... or contact the company at (818) 808-1789.


Additional Information about the Blackboard Connect Platform
The Blackboard Connect platform allows officials to send thousands of messages in minutes, requires no additional hardware, and can be used from any computer with Internet access or telephone. This ensures that administrators can send vital messages from wherever they are located—even if they are evacuated. Additionally, officials receive detailed reports on contacts that did not receive a message, enabling them to follow up through alternative means as needed.
 
*Blackboard Connect Inc. does not sell, lease, share, or rent personally identifiable information (names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.) to any companies or persons outside of Blackboard or its service providers.