Is the water on yet?
This is a true story and could not come at a better time to illustrate a major problem with the block captain phone tree....
I just received a call from Larry Henson...
He said he just received a phone call from a resident that wanted to know if Monday's water problem was over yet? They received a phone call telling them about it but not one to tell them it was over... or they didn't have their answering machine on or they were not home or their block captain was not home or in the confusion of 175 phone calls the person just got missed.
The call system is at best a friendly, volunteer, neighbor helping neighbor system run by volunteers. As such it is subject to all the problems mentioned above and more.
All the time you hear that statement above or something similar and it will always be likely so because the system is all volunteer, it is large and unweildy and is a one on one notification system.
The website is much better as a source for such alerts. However, the argument goes that not everyone has a computer. Some proudly boast they have no use for one... Those that don't have a computer, have to rely on less reliable forms of communication or take responsibility to find answers on their own. It really is that simple. If you were notified you were blessed by a neighbor that cared enough to use their own time and phone to make sure you knew. If not well you weren't blessed. That's it.
We write stuff as soon as we hear about it right here and if I am away any of the people shown as staff writers on the left side of the page can put up an alert. Give them an email or phone call.
Tell your friends and neighbors the better alert system is on the website.. It just is.
As for block captains getting the word out that system is still up but more and more you will be told by them to look on the website for the all clear or further instructions and not expect a second call telling you it is over. If it is a power outtage or emergency instead of an alert The CERT team will monitor CH 5 on your FRS radio in case you need to call for help. In those conditions the CERT team will broadcast updates and all clears.
If your neighbor doesn't have a computer and doesn't have a radio you might consider if you want to be a help mate for them.
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