Clinton Adopts the Blackboard Connect Platform to Enhance Emergency Preparedness and Communication

April 12, 2010 - PRLog -- The City of Clinton announced today it has launched the Blackboard Connect mass notification platform, enhancing communication and emergency preparedness. The first community-wide test call is scheduled for April 16, 2010.

Clinton 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. Using the Blackboard Connect platform, 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.

“Prior to implementation of the Blackboard Connect service, we would have had to go door-to-door to notify our community of a public health matter or any other urgent situation,” said Tim Followell, City Administrator. “With the Blackboard Connect service we have a fast, accurate and efficient method to inform our entire community of urgent matters.”

City administrators can target each message to an unlimited number of groups – everything from mobilizing 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.  

“The Blackboard Connect system will provide us with a detailed report after every message is sent, helping to ensure that all residents receive important notifications and notifying safety officials if additional follow up is needed in an urgent situation,” said Tim Followell, City Administrator. “To ensure that all residents are prepared to receive time-sensitive messages, it is important for everyone to add their home phones, cell phones and e-mail accounts into the system through the portal on the City of Clinton Web site.”

Publicly available primary residential and business phones in Clinton will automatically be included in the system. However, to ensure that the city has the most up-to-date contact information, residents should visit the Swampscott Web site (www.clintonillinois.com) and click on the link that says “SIGN UP NOW – SERVICES BY BLACKBOARD CONNECT,” to provide their complete information (up to three phone numbers and two e-mail addresses) and indicate if they have a TTY/TDD. Those without Internet access are encouraged to use the computers at the local library or call (217) 935-9438 to provide their up-to-date contact information. Residents with call blocking services should add (217) 935-9438 to their approved number list to ensure they receive essential notifications from the town.  

“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 for mass communication 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.