10/19/2011 Press Release: GMPHN Encourages Monadnock Residents to Sign Up for Free Emergency Alerts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 19, 2011

Contact:

Amanda N. Gaspard, MPH, CHEP

Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and Regional SNS Coordinator

Greater Monadnock Public Health Network

Office: 603-354-5454 Ext. 3030

Email: agaspard@cheshire-med.com 

Website: http://co.cheshire.nh.us/PublicHealth/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ReadyMonadnock

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreaterMonadnockPublicHealthNetwork

Blog: http://greatermonadnockpublichealthnetwork.blogspot.com/

GMPHN Encourages Monadnock Residents to Sign Up for Free Emergency Alerts

KEENE, NH, 10/19/11 — The Greater Monadnock Public Health Network (GMPHN) is now using a free electronic messaging system called Nixle which allows direct communication with people who sign up to receive alerts via text message and/or email. Nixle is a trusted entity that has been endorsed by the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, the Council of State Governments, the FBI, etc. Nixle is a free service (however standard text messaging rates do apply).

The GMPHN started utilizing Nixle during Hurricane Irene to inform Monadnock residents about flood warnings in the region. The GMPHN encourages all Monadnock residents to sign up for Nixle so they can receive alerts about disasters or other conditions in the area (such as a tornado warning, public health emergency, shelters opened during a snow storm, etc.)

To sign up for text messages alerts, simply text the word GMPHN to 888777.

Monadnock residents who want to receive both emails and text message alerts can register securely at no charge by visiting www.nixle.com. Click on “Sign Up Free!” and go through the simple steps to register. Once you create an account, you may select additional zip codes if you want to receive emergency alerts from other municipalities or states.

Monadnock residents can also view GMPHN alerts and advisories online at: http://local.nixle.com/greater-monadnock-public-health-network/

The Greater Monadnock Public Health Network is one of 15 public health networks in New Hampshire. It is housed by Cheshire Medical Center / Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene and is financed through Cheshire County via a grant by the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Public Health Services, with funds provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

After the September 11^th attacks, state and local officials realized the need for a more robust public health system in New Hampshire. The public health networks strive to enhance and improve public health-related services by increasing collaboration and planning across municipal boundaries and the health and safety sectors. The Greater Monadnock Public Health Network consists of representatives from each of the 33 municipalities in the Monadnock region as well as representatives from regional organizations which provide for the public’s health and safety.

For more information contact Amanda Gaspard at agaspard@cheshire-med.com or 603-354-5454 Ext. 3030.

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