Palmer to add new emergency call service

PALMER — If you get a strange call from the city Tuesday, don’t be alarmed, it’s only a test.

According to a city press release, Palmer is implementing a new emergency notification service called Blackboard Connect.

“We’re looking forward to the communication that the Blackboard Connect system will provide, as it will enable the city to dispense important information quickly to residents, increasing efficiency and awareness throughout our community.” Palmer Mayor DeLena Johnson said in a press release. “I strongly encourage residents to visit the city’s website to register their contact information, which will allow us to send urgent messages in instances such as snow and ice storms or utility outages.”

The system will also be used for things like coordinating relief agency efforts and mobilizing volunteers. It can be targeted to one specific area, sending messages to a neighborhood or group of neighborhoods.

So far, the city has put publicly available primary residential and business numbers into the system. It’s planning a test call for Tuesday, Sept. 27, that will give residents information on how to register additional information.

If you want to sign up, head over to cityofpalmer.org, and click on the link for the Blackboard Connect program. The system can store three phone numbers and two e-mail addresses.

Residents without home Internet service can head to the Palmer Public Library where staff can help them out. Registration can also be done over the phone at 761-1360.

The call on Tuesday and any other time the system is used will be coming from 761-1301. So residents with call-blocking features who would like to receive the notifications should unblock that number.