State Plans "Major Kick-Off" of Notification Program

Connecticut officials have realized something that others have overlooked, that it takes quite an effort to make a notification program successful. So, plans are in the works for what a state spokesman calls a "major kick-off". Lieutenant Paul Vance of Connecticut State Police says the state wants the notification program to reach "virtually every adult resident in the state".

Vance says press conferences, public service announcements, and "things of that nature" are being planned to convince the public to sign-up for notifications. He says the state "will use the governor, visuals, all of the agencies...every avenue we can so we can reach out to a broad spectrum." A central messaging theme is being developed, something along the lines of "If you don't sign up, we can't reach you."

About the sign-ups, Vance says, "This is huge." Plus, the state has purchased a telephone database to be used for notifications, regardless of whether a resident has registered. (Despite the theme that Vance says is in the works, some residents can be notified even if they don't sign up.)

Vance admits meeting the goal of reaching virtually every adult resident in the state will not occur quickly. He says, "It's not going to be a one-time project...it will be a continuous process".

Since the system will be available to local officials, standards and Memorandum of Understanding are being developed.

This is not Connecticut's first effort to make notification technology available on a statewide basis. A contract was awarded several years ago that allowed local communities to purchase a particular vendor's product using negotiated pricing. This, however, is the first time the state has purchased the technology and made it available to local communities at no charge.

Connecticut has taken on quite a tall order. Yet it seems to us that state officials are taking a realistic approach. They seem to realize they must roll out the program with a blast, not a whimper. They seem to understand that success will not occur overnight. And, they seem to realize they need help. Local communities and a number of state agencies are being engaged, and the contract with their vendor, Everbridge, includes funds for continuous support for roll-out efforts, beyond technical support.

There will likely be glitches here and there. Hopefully, the state will tweak where necessary and not quietly ease the initiative into the background...as happens often with visible programs of this type. Meantime, good luck Connecticut...and congratulations for your approach.


All the best,



Rick