SwiftReach Emergency Community Notification System
A new Emergency Community Notification System from SwiftReach Networks has been implemented in Bethel Park. The new system replaces the Reverse 911 System. The SwiftReach system will work in a similar way. The system will be used to disperse information to businesses and residents about emergencies, community bulletins, criminal incidents, natural disasters, or industrial accidents. The system will advise citizens of specific steps to take to ensure their own safety or to assist emergency personnel through a recorded telephone message. The system has the ability to detect if an answering machine has picked up the call. This feature causes a brief moment of silence before the message starts that could be confused with a telemarketing call. If you have caller ID a message from the SwiftReach system will come from 412-831-6800, Municipality of Bethel Park. If you do receive a message from the system it is important that you understand that the system is capable of making thousands of calls and you are only one of many receiving a call. DO NOT CALL 412-833-2000, 911 or 412-831-6800 with questions! Calls of such a high volume will hinder the efficiency and operation of the emergency dispatch center and the Municipalities phone system. The SwiftReach system is capable of calling the entire Bethel Park community in approximately 30 minutes. The same calls used to take over 17 hours. . The message will be very specific. It is important that you follow the instructions as closely as possible. Some examples of instructions the message may give you are, remain in your home, close and secure windows and doors, evacuate the area, take measures to prevent crimes such as burglaries or frauds and scams, observe the area around your home for missing persons or children.
The SwiftReach database does not include unlisted phone numbers or recently issued phone numbers. A test message was sent on Monday August 27, 2007. If you are a resident or business owner in Bethel Park and you did not receive a call on August27, 2007 one of the following is the cause of you not receiving a call. Your phone number is unlisted or has been recently issued, your primary phone is a cell phone your phone number has a voicemail or other automated system that answers the phone the is not compatible with the SwiftReach system. If you fall under any of these conditions or if you move from a Bethel Park address to a new address within Bethel Park, your information has to be added or updated in the database to ensure that you receive the messages. If your phone is answered by an automated system you will need to provide a phone number that is not part of the automated system. You can also have your information removed if you do not want to receive the notifications or if you are not a Bethel Park resident. To add, update or remove your inform visit, and complete the form to update your information. All information submitted will be reviewed and is subject to approval before being added to the database.
A toll free hotline is also part of the SwiftReach notification system. The hotline,
1-800-669-9400, will allow you to repeat the message, will give you access to updated information if you are still in the Municipality or if you have moved to a location outside of Bethel Park and in some cases it will allow you to contact a municipal employee. The hotline number or an alternate number will be provided in the message if it is necessary or feasible for you to respond or ask questions. The Municipality will be exploring how this system can be used to improve communication and better manage and disperse information. We thank you for your patience and participation while we implement the use of this new system.