South Pasadena, Blackboard to Launch Emergency Notification System

The City of South Pasadena has partnered with Blackboard Connect™, a leading mass notification platform, to launch Connect South Pasadena, the City’s emergency notification system. The first community-wide test call will be held on Friday, July 11, 2014.

The City of South Pasadena implemented Connect South Pasadena so city officials can stay connected to residents and efficiently provide them with direction in the event of an earthquake, fire or other public emergency. Using Connect South Pasadena, City officials can record and send personalized voice messages to home phones, businesses, local agencies and mobile phones in just minutes. The service also sends email, text messages (SMS) to mobile phones and posts on Facebook and Twitter channels. Messages can also be sent to TTY/TDD devices for people who are hearing impaired.

“Keeping our community safe and informed is our top priority, which is why we need to be able to communicate with residents quickly in an urgent situation,” said Sergio Gonzalez, City Manager of South Pasadena. “Connect South Pasadena enables us to communicate efficiently with residents in just a matter of minutes, helping save valuable time, use resources efficiently and protect our community.”

City officials can target each message to an unlimited number of groups. Authorized users can also use the system’s geo-mapping and group subscription features to contact residents based on specific geographical locations and interests, helping ensure recipients receive relevant, targeted information.

Publicly available primary residential and business phones in the City of South Pasadena will automatically be included in the system. However, to ensure the city has the most up-to-date contact information, including cell phone numbers and email addresses, residents should visit the city website (www.southpasadenaca.gov) and click on the link that says “Sign Up Now for Connect South Pasadena,” and provide their complete contact information.

Users can also manage their message preferences by indicating their preferred mode of contact, language and message topics. Those without Internet access are encouraged to call the City Manager’s Office at (626) 403-7210 to provide their current information. Residents with call blocking services should add (626) 403-7200 to their approved number list to ensure they receive important notifications from the city.