Kannapolis adds service to connect with citizens

Kannapolis — The City of Kannapolis announced today it has selected the Connect-CTY mass notification service from Blackboard Connect Inc. The city will conduct its first community-wide test call on Sept. 8.

Kannapolis has implemented the Connect-CTY service to provide city officials the ability to communicate with residents regarding time-sensitive incidents, which may include planned and unforeseen public safety matters.

The Connect-CTY service allows officials to record, send and track personalized voice messages to thousands of residents, businesses and local agencies in just minutes, through a single phone call.

The city can also send text messages to cell phones, PDAs, e-mail accounts, and TTY/TDD receiving devices for the hearing impaired. The service requires no additional hardware; it can be used from any computer with Internet access or just a telephone, ensuring that officials can send vital messages from wherever they are located.

"We are always looking for ways to enhance overall customer service and communication with residents," said Mike Legg, city manager of Kannapolis. "Informing residents quickly in time-sensitive situations, such as a major ice storm or power outage, will help ensure that residents receive accurate information and proper direction, thus enabling city officials to focus efforts on recovery."

City administrators can target messages to an unlimited number of groups – everything from mobilizing emergency response teams to coordinating efforts with necessary agencies or volunteers. Authorized users also can use a map on the Connect-CTY system to contact specific geographical locations, sending messages only to the residents within select neighborhoods when needed.

"It's important for residents to register their contact information into the secure Connect-CTY service's database to make sure they are prepared to receive timely, critical information at any given time." Legg said.

Publicly available primary residential and business phones in Kannapolis will automatically be included in the system. However, residents can opt-in to provide their complete information (up to three phone numbers and two e-mail addresses) and indicate if they have a TTY/TDD device by visiting the Kannapolis Web site (www.cityofkannapolis.com) and clicking on the link that says "Sign Up For Connect-CTY" to enter their information into the secure database.

Those without Internet access can have their information added into the system by calling 704-920-4300. Residents with call blocking services can make sure to receive the city's time-sensitive calls by adding 704-920-4300 to their approved number list.

"The best way to keep residents informed and, therefore, safe is through communication, and the Connect-CTY service makes it easy," said Brendan Cotter, president of Connect-CTY. "With the Connect-CTY service, administrators have a powerful tool for mass communication without having to purchase new computers, software and telephone lines."

Kannapolis will be conducting its first test-call on Sept. 8, in order to ensure residents are aware of the program and can provide correct phone numbers and e-mail addresses should they not receive the test message. If residents do not receive the call, they should visit the city's Web site at www.cityofkannapolis.com and click on the "Sign Up For Connect-CTY" link to enter their contact information.

Residents without Internet access can have their information added into the database by calling 704-920-4300.