An emergency notification system alerting businesses about a broad range of emergencies from weather warnings, fires or road closures, to demonstrations or possible criminal or terrorist incidents, is to be launched in Bristol later this month.
The system is a partnership between Bristol City Council, Avon & Somerset Police, leading emergency notification specialist Vocal and City Security and Resilience Networks (CSARN), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening security and business continuity in commercial zones.
The launch takes place on June 21 alongside a seminar called Be Alerted to Business Impacting Events in Bristol staged at The Council House on College Green from 9am.
Two new services will be available. iContinuity is a free of charge communication hub and messaging network providing information updates from Bristol City Council and access to a range of free resources for business. Because it is housed in a secure environment – unlike other messaging networks – it will provide subscribers with a backup when other communication methods fail. Further information from 0800 035 0081.
The Bristol Priority Alert service will deliver alerts in real-time, direct from the police and Bristol City Council, ensuring businesses have access to the latest information about events in Bristol likely to impact on them, maximising the time they have available to respond. Businesses will be able to register to receive Priority Alerts at http://www.vocal.co.uk/solutions/alerting-services/priority-alerts/bristol.
- and those wanting to register can visit http://www.vocal.co.uk/event/bristol-priority-alert-scheme-launch with city council blessing on June 21 in association with the police.
Cllr Gary Hopkins, cabinet member for environment and community safety, said: “This service should be a highly valuable for local businesses giving them instant access to reliable information on incidents or circumstances that could affect them, their staff or their customers. Working in partnership means we can send out information and advice at the press of a button.”
The conference will cover:
· The types of communications sent as alerts.
· How the service will deliver trusted information, direct from
the source
· How other businesses respond to business impacting events
· How access to information can improve response time and reduce
the impact on business
· How communication can help fulfil employers Duty of Care to
keep staff safe during times of crisis.
Vocal managing director Trevor Wheatley-Perry, added: “We are pleased to be working with the Bristol City Council and the Avon & Somerset Police to warn and inform businesses in the Bristol Area. We operate a number of successful schemes and will help helping to share best practice with the Bristol City Council in order to support them in achieving a successful Priority Alert Service. We have seen successful schemes save lives.”
