New Technology Leads to Early Morning TuscALERT Glitch
New technology is great, it can be a tremendous leap forward over the successful system already in use, but like all new technology, it can have some early bugs once in use. That has been the case with the new TuscALERT technology that went live across Tuscaloosa County yesterday.
That was the case in the predawn hours this morning for the new RAVE technology being utilized by the Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency for countywide emergency alerts. EMA Director Nick Lolley explained the situation in an email this morning.
"As part of our efforts to improve emergency communications, we recently implemented a new mass notification platform. During the transition, our priority was to err of the side of caution and ensure residents received critical notifications rather than risk someone not receiving an alert when it mattered most. As a result, some residents received unintended phone calls during the early morning hours. We understand that these calls were disruptive, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience," Lolley wrote.
Technicians have identified the issue and have made proper adjustments to the system to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Lolley told Tuscaloosa Thread that EMA has received a number of phone calls about the inadvertent 4:00am call. He pointed out most callers were understanding and appreciative of having such a vital notification system available.
The notification system has about 18,000 subscribers in Tuscaloosa that receive notices of pending significant and severe weather events. With potential for flooding and flash flooding today and potential for severe weather late weekend, it is important that citizens be alert to threats.
Due to this morning's issue, Lolley says future phone calls by the upgraded system will alert for Tornado Watches and Tornado Warnings only. All other emergency notifications will be sent through text messages and email.
"Reliable and timely emergency notifications are critical to keeping our community safe, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to enhance these capabilities and better serve the residents of Tuscaloosa County," Lolley emphasizes.
The new RAVE technology for TuscALERT has been provided statewide by the governor's office and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. To sign up for alerts click www.tuscalert.com
Also See: Flood Risk Persists as Heavy Rain & Storms Target West Alabama Saturday
More From Tuscaloosa Thread
