Every child is taught to dial 911 in case of an emergency, but what happens if the county needs to get a hold of you during a natural disaster? This is where the Pacific County Hyper-Reach Reverse 911 System comes into play.
The hyper-reach system was developed and implemented as a way to make contact with people in large groups during an emergency like a tornado, or earthquake. Weather, potential evacuation, and take shelter emergency notification also use this method of communications. The system uses email, phone, text for the notifications.
The 911 database of landline phones in Pacific County is automatically uploaded into the system, but the upload does not include cell or VoIp phone numbers. This means that if you want to use a form of communication that does not include a landline phone, you will need to sign up at hyper-reach.com/wapacificsignup.html. You can also update your landline phone number using this link as well.
Signing up using the link is the best way to register, but if you do not have access to a computer then call the Pacific County Emergency management Agency at (360) 875-9340.
PCEMA Director Scott McDougall put out a series of frequently asked questions for public information.
1. If I signed up previously, is my number still in the system?
Yes, your number should still be in the system. However, if you have signed up previously, there are some new options within the system that you may want to consider and PCEMA suggests that you visit the community sign up website and register again in order to update your information.
2. Can I sign up more than one phone?
Yes! When you sign up, click on "add another number." You may want to include your landline and/or VoIP phone as well as cellular phone numbers for all members of your family that reside with you.
3. Can I sign up for weather alerts?
Yes - there is an option to receive weather alerts. If you registered through the community sign up website, you will receive weather alerts by landline phone, cellular phone, email, text message, and/or TDD depending on the options you selected.
4. When will I receive a weather alert?
Weather alerts are triggered by NOAA and for Pacific County include: tsunami watch, tsunami warning, extreme wind warning, severe thunderstorm warning, and tornado warning.
5. How often are emergency notifications sent?
Emergency notifications are initiated only when there is a direct threat to life or property in a given area. This does not happen frequently!
6. How often is the system tested?
PCEMA plans to test the system in a county-wide effort one time each year. There may be additional testing as needed.