Nova Scotia government contracts new emergency alert app
The Nova Scotia government has recently taken steps to enhance its emergency alert system by partnering with an Alberta-based company called Alertable. The Emergency Management Department has awarded Alertable a $1 million contract to develop a new app, marking a significant investment in improving public safety within the province.
The decision to award the contract to Alertable was made on March 25, with the government citing the company’s expertise in emergency alerting as a key factor. Patricia Jreige, a spokesperson for the department, explained that Alertable has a successful track record of developing similar solutions in provinces like Saskatchewan and Alberta for over a decade. She emphasized that Alertable was the only provider capable of delivering the specific features required for the new app.
According to information provided on the Alertable website, the company’s mass notification software offers a versatile platform for disseminating emergency messages. The software enables alerts to be sent out through various channels including social media, text messages, phone calls, and emails. Several municipalities in Nova Scotia, such as the Town of Digby and Town of Yarmouth, are already utilizing Alertable’s software to communicate important information to residents regarding traffic disruptions, public meetings, and other advisories. Additionally, the Annapolis Regional Emergency Management Organization has also adopted the app for emergency communication purposes.
The decision to improve the emergency alert system comes in response to ongoing concerns and criticisms regarding the effectiveness of alerts during critical situations. In recent years, there have been instances where emergency alerts were delayed or not utilized appropriately, such as during fatal floods in the Annapolis Valley and wildfires in Halifax Regional Municipality. The Nova Scotia RCMP faced criticism for not utilizing the province’s emergency alert system during the tragic mass shootings in Portapique in 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals over a two-day period.
By partnering with Alertable and investing in a new app, the Nova Scotia government aims to enhance its emergency alert capabilities and ensure that residents receive timely and accurate information during emergencies. More details about the app and its features are expected to be released soon, providing residents with a reliable and efficient communication tool in times of crisis.
