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Source: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news...alerts+part+emergency+plan/1563966/story.html
Province ponders Twitter alerts as part of emergency plan
New warning system to incorporate Internet, satellite television, radio by 2010
The Edmonton JournalMay 5, 2009 6:58 AM
Kimberley Collins-Lauber Journal Staff Writer Edmonton The Alberta government wants to use Twitter to warn people about tornadoes, influenza outbreaks and Amber Alerts.
Ray Danyluk, Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced changes to the already existing Alberta Emergency Public Warning System at Monday's kickoff to Emergency Preparedness Week in Sir Winston Churchill Square.
Danyluk said the government is looking at a new system that will have potential for growth and the ability to reach more Albertans more quickly in the event of a crisis.
"The purpose of the early warning system is to try and have as much access to the public as we possibly can," Danyluk said.
"Our system was the first province-wide system in Canada, but it is only accessible to television and radio. We need to broaden that scope." The new system, expected to be in place by the middle of 2010, will use new and emerging technologies such as satellite television and radio, web-based alerting and social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Edmonton has offered the use of its electronic road construction signs as a means of communication in emergency situations.
But Coun. Don Iveson said the city can only do so much.
"At the end of the day, it falls to the citizens to be prepared as well," he said.
The EPWS was created to alert the public about severe weather after a tornado ripped through a mobile home park in July 1987, killing 27 people.
It has been in operation since 1992 and has been activated more than 80 times.
Emergency Preparedness Week will continue throughout the week.
ATCO Gas will give a demonstration about avoiding natural gas and underground utility lines Wednesday, and on Thursday the City of Edmonton will discuss how to find immediate shelter in case of an emergency at schools around the city.
The week will end with Hawrelak Park hosting "Get Ready in the Park" on Saturday, where families can learn how to be prepared for a cris-is.
kcollins-lauber @thejournal.canwest.com
Province ponders Twitter alerts as part of emergency plan
New warning system to incorporate Internet, satellite television, radio by 2010
The Edmonton JournalMay 5, 2009 6:58 AM
Kimberley Collins-Lauber Journal Staff Writer Edmonton The Alberta government wants to use Twitter to warn people about tornadoes, influenza outbreaks and Amber Alerts.
Ray Danyluk, Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced changes to the already existing Alberta Emergency Public Warning System at Monday's kickoff to Emergency Preparedness Week in Sir Winston Churchill Square.
Danyluk said the government is looking at a new system that will have potential for growth and the ability to reach more Albertans more quickly in the event of a crisis.
"The purpose of the early warning system is to try and have as much access to the public as we possibly can," Danyluk said.
"Our system was the first province-wide system in Canada, but it is only accessible to television and radio. We need to broaden that scope." The new system, expected to be in place by the middle of 2010, will use new and emerging technologies such as satellite television and radio, web-based alerting and social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Edmonton has offered the use of its electronic road construction signs as a means of communication in emergency situations.
But Coun. Don Iveson said the city can only do so much.
"At the end of the day, it falls to the citizens to be prepared as well," he said.
The EPWS was created to alert the public about severe weather after a tornado ripped through a mobile home park in July 1987, killing 27 people.
It has been in operation since 1992 and has been activated more than 80 times.
Emergency Preparedness Week will continue throughout the week.
ATCO Gas will give a demonstration about avoiding natural gas and underground utility lines Wednesday, and on Thursday the City of Edmonton will discuss how to find immediate shelter in case of an emergency at schools around the city.
The week will end with Hawrelak Park hosting "Get Ready in the Park" on Saturday, where families can learn how to be prepared for a cris-is.
kcollins-lauber @thejournal.canwest.com