TRENTON -- In terms of safety, the city has just joined the ranks of several other Downriver communities.
Civil Defense Officer Paul Haley said Monday that the city's emergency phone notification system is ready for action if disaster strikes.
The city has contracted with FirstCall, a computerized emergency warning company based in Baton Rouge, La., that quickly provides residents with information. Grosse Ile contracted with the companyin 2002.
The annual $7,500 system charge is being paid for by a $25,000 grant from Atofina Chemicals Inc.
"Trenton appreciates Atofina's generosity in making the Downriver communities more prepared for emergencies," Haley said.
On July 14, 2001, three workers were killed in a chemical explosion at Atofina's Riverview plant.
Residents in and around the city were evacuated.
In Trenton, police evacuated summer street fair vendors from their motor homes on West Jefferson.
They also had to go door to door to notify residents, who eventually gathered at the evacuation site at Trenton High School.
The FirstCall system, now that it is in place, will save police some legwork and let residents know what to do sooner.
"It's a great system for the community," said Jeff Tilley, Atofina plant manager. "I'm happy that we could be a part of improving that communication in Trenton."
The system can make dozens of phone calls a minute. Messages can be either prerecorded or customized at the time of notification, Haley said.
In most scenarios, the first message would give general information and ask listeners to turn on the radio or television. A second message would give detailed instructions, if needed.
Because the notification system is based on street addresses, the calls can be specific to a neighborhood, a few streets, a radius around a location, or the entire community.
"In July 2001 and August 2003 (during a massive power outage that affected Michigan, several other states and parts of Canada) our police and fire telephones and 911 lines were swamped with callers wanting to ask questions," Haley said. "This system allows us to provide accurate, precise information to those who need it most.
"Our objective is to provide our residents with AID – advice, information and directions."
FirstCall also has offices in Louisiana and Montana so that a local emergency does not stop the notifications.
The police and fire chiefs, the city administrator, or Haley can make the notification authorization.
Interviews were conducted with those who participated in the setup tests to ensure that messages were clear and precise.
One frustrating note, Haley said, is that the messages come up on caller ID boxes as "out of area." That is not something Trenton can change at this time, he said.
Those who have only a cellphone or an unlisted number also can register with FirstCall at 1-866-484-3264.
Registered numbers are protected from disclosure through the city's contract.
The city will include more information about the new system in the Parks and Recreation Department's publication "The Buzz."
Atofina also plans to hold a drill early this year with participating communities.
"Until you test (the system) you don't know how well (it) works," Tilley said.
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