Aug 2010 Financial News

TSTT and ODPM link up for ‘emergency notification’

Aug 18, 2010

A new emergency notification link has been forged between the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) and the Telecommunication Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) to alert the public in times of pending disaster.

The new system, called the “Emergency Short Message Service” (ESMS) was launched yesterday at the Ministry of National Security, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain.

The system has been tested so far with a selected group of individuals, while a public testing is expected later this week.

The system involves the sending of a message via e-mail, or fax, from ODPM personnel to the TSTT staff. TSTT staff would then call the ODPM official sending the message to confirm the contents of the message.

The TSTT staff would then prepare the message for public notification, first sending the message back to the ODPM official for confirmation.

The message, containing no more than 160 characters would then be sent to TSTT users who are expected to be affected.

Corporate Services manager at the ODPM, Chevalier Jackson, explained there would be no need for receivers to respond to the text, or to call for further information.

He said, instead, persons should take the necessary precautions.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of National Security, Brigadier John Sandy said the system was a step towards addressing challenges such as the recent extensive flooding experience in Central, and south Trinidad, combined with the various landslides throughout West and North Trinidad.

He said such a system was needed since Trinidad and Tobago’s geographic location, not only allows the country to be susceptible to adverse weather conditions, but also other natural disasters, such as the 5.1 earthquake recorded last Friday. Although there were no reports of loss of life, or property, Sandy said TT remains in an active seismic zone, thus continuing to be susceptible to disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

He said the ESMS would enable the quick dissemination of information, providing timely advisories and warnings for the public in case of pending disaster.

“By disseminating information in a timely manner, we can minimise disaster risk, and assist in improving relief efforts in the aftermath of, or during a disaster,” said Sandy.

He said the system will not replace current methods of notification, but is intended to work alongside traditional media and social media such as Facebook, twitter, and at its website.

He said the ESMS will also only be activated during times of emergency, as TSTT has set up a separate platform for the system.

The ESMS, is also being provided to the ODPM and TT as a free service from TSTT.

According to Executive Vice President of TSTT, Lisa Agard, the cost of such a service, every time it is activated, could run up to, or over one million dollars.

However, she said TSTT would be absorbing all the costs of the ESMS thus providing the service free to both the ODPM and TSTT’s 800,000 mobile customers.


Source:
By GARY DARMANIE
Newsday
Wednesday August 18, 2010

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,125955.html