Boulder Disaster Management Office to Launch New Text Messaging Program

The Boulder Office of Disaster Management is preparing to launch a new text messaging program aimed at improving language access and increasing public access to information and resources during an emergency.

According to a statement, the system will provide people with information about incident updates, community resources, road closures, shelters and other community impacts. The texts will be available in more than 100 different languages ​​through integration with the ReachWell app, the county wrote. The service is free, except for potential data usage fees.

“We strive to provide a variety of communication methods to the community; adding a text messaging feature helps ensure more people are informed when it matters most,” Emergency Management Director Mike Chard said in a statement.

To participate, residents simply text BOCOinfo to 888777. When the Emergency Operations Center is activated to respond to a disaster, users will begin receiving text messages with information. The text messages include a subject line with a link that users must click to access the full message.

Individuals wishing to receive text messages in a language other than English can download the translation app from the office’s website, boulderodm.gov/preparedness/reachwell. Once the app is downloaded, users are encouraged to select BOCOinfo and BOCOalert to receive both emergency alerts and updates in their preferred language.

The system does not have the ability to share maps or images, but these resources will still be available on the Office of Disaster Management website.

The service is separate from the current alert and warning system, which notifies residents to take necessary actions such as evacuating, sheltering in place or moving to higher ground in the event of a disaster, the statement said.

For those unable to register, updates will also be available on the office website.

See more at Longmont Times-Call