The Boulder Office of Disaster Management is preparing to launch a new text messaging program aimed at improving language access and increasing public access to information and resources in the case of an emergency.
According to a release, the system will provide people who opt-in information on incident updates, community resources, road closures, sheltering and other community impacts. The texts will be available in over 100 different languages through the integration of the ReachWell app, the county wrote. The service is free, except for any data usage charges that might apply.
We strive to provide a variety of communication methods to the community; adding text messaging capability helps to ensure that more people are in the know when it matters most, Emergency Management Director Mike Chard said in a statement.
To opt-in, residents only need to text BOCOinfo to 888777. When the Emergency Operations Center is activated to respond to a disaster, users will begin receiving texts with information. The texts will include a subject line with a link that users will need to click to access the full message.
Those interested in receiving texts in a language other than English can download the translation app on the office’s website, boulderodm.gov/preparedness/reachwell. Once users have downloaded the app, they are encouraged to select BOCOinfo and BOCOalert to receive both emergency alerts and updates in their preferred language.
The system does not have the ability to share maps or images, but these resources will still be available on the Office of Disaster Management’s website.
The service is separate from the alert and warning system that is currently in place which informs locals to take necessary actions like evacuate, shelter in place or climb to higher ground in the case of a disaster, according to the release.
For anyone unable to opt-in, the updates will also be available up the office’s website.
