Community alert systems such as Hart’s My Community Alert (MCALERT) are an affordable and logical answer to disseminating information in real time…when it’s needed most. Such alert systems send out messages to those who are connected to the service via text messages and emails, allowing prompt actions or reactions that can literally save lives in some situations. For example there was a missing child in one of their communities. An alert was sent along with the child’s photograph to all residents signed up for the service (approximately 1,000). MCALERT was able to send over 1,000 text messages and emails within 90 seconds with a photo attached. The child was recovered within minutes when a neighbor observed the photograph and recognized this was in fact the young girl she just saw walking into a neighbors house several doors down from where she lived. Not only did this relieve the parents but also saved law enforcement countless hours searching for the child.
MCALERT has been embraced by the Police Department and residents of Harrison, New York. Having adopted MCALERT for their form of communication they regularly send out alerts regarding scams, road closures, water main breaks and even crimes that were just committed. Along with Harrison, New York Hart says they also have a presence in California, Minnesota, New York and New Jersey and Florida. Hart tells us that leaders tell him they believe it’s important to keep their residents informed.
