The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has launched a new-and-improved emergency alert notification system for residents and visitors to the region.
SLRD Alert provides emergency notifications for SLRD Electoral Areas, including for Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton and Lillooet.
SLRD has replaced the ePACT emergency alert notification system by Voyent Alert!. It will be in place on Friday, July 29, allowing subscribers to receive emergency notifications by app, telephone, text (SMS) or email.
The SLRD will utilize this new notification system to issue evacuation alerts and orders, as well as other emergency-related communications. In the event of an emergency, telephone, text, email or mobile app messages will be sent to all registered contacts in the affected area.
The system enables the SLRD to provide people with critical information in a variety of emergency situations, such as severe weather events, wildfires, floods, landslides and any other emergency events that could have an impact on people in the area.
This system is used extensively by local governments throughout the province; in the SLRD, the system is used by the District of Lillooet, the Village of Pemberton and the District of Squamish. The Squamish Nation and Lillooet Tribal Council also utilize this emergency alert notification system.
“We are pleased to improve upon our system for delivering emergency communications, not only to our rural residents, but also to visitors in the area,” said SLRD Board Chair, Jen Ford. “We know first-hand the need to be able to communicate quickly in the event of an emergency, and we are excited to launch this service that is an important tool in our emergency communications toolkit.”
Existing subscribers to the SLRD Alert notification system will be automatically moved to the new system, in compliance with privacy legislation. New subscribers can sign up at SLRD.bc.ca/SLRDAlert
Users are encouraged to install the Voyent Alert! app which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play.