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1) Does the system have the ability to send text and/or e-mail messages?
a. Yes, the REVERSE 911® system has the ability to send text and e-mail messages to the affected area. However, the Emergency Services Listing (ESL) does not include e-mail addresses. When residents register their cellular or VoIP telephone number online, they will be required to provide an e-mail address to associate with the number. Therefore, when an emergency alert is sent to the affected area, a voice and text/e-mail message will be sent simultaneously to make sure that the message reaches as many residents as possible. However, there is a character limit of 160 for text message and 250 for e-mail messages; therefore, the text/e-mail message will not usually be as detailed as the voice message. In order to receive text messages, you must enter the e-mail address of your cellular phone number (see table below, subject to change). All standard text messaging fees will apply when emergency alerts are delivered and Ventura County is not responsible for the costs incurred when receiving these alerts. For those residents who would like to add an e-mail address to associate with their landline telephone, they may e-mail reverse911@ventura.org and include their telephone number, contact name, and e-mail address.
2) Do I need to add my landline telephone number?
a. The REVERSE 911® database includes both listed and unlisted landline phone numbers for AT&T and Verizon customers. Even if your landline phone number changes, the database will be updated to reflect that change. AT&T sends updates to the Office of Emergency Services on a monthly basis and Verizon sends updates on a weekly basis. Those who have phone service from other providers will need to add their information to the database by registering online.
3) Do I need to register my TTY (Teletypewriter) telephone number?
a. Yes, even though the REVERSE 911® database may include your telephone, the Office of Emergency Services does not know which phone numbers are TTY compatible. Therefore, it is important to register any TTY compatible phone number to ensure that emergency alerts are delivered to the correct device.
4) What if my cell phone number changes?
a. You will have the ability to delete your cellular phone number from the database by visiting the REVERSE 911® registration page. Then after deleting your previous phone number, you will need to add your new phone number to the database. Each year, the Office of Emergency Services will contact you via e-mail asking for confirmation that the phone number provided is still valid. If you do not confirm by responding to the e-mail, your number will be removed from the database.
5) Will I still receive an alert on my cell phone when I am out of town?
a. The address that you provide when registering will be linked to your cell phone number within the database. Therefore, if an alert is originated for your geographic area, you will receive the alert regardless of whether or not you are in town.
6) What number will appear on caller ID?
a. When you receive an alert from REVERSE 911®, one of three phone numbers will appear on your caller id. The number that shows up on caller ID will depend upon the geographic area from which the calls originate. The two possible phone numbers are: 805-517-1510 or 805-639-3004. The REVERSE 911® system does not have the ability to disable your call intercept/blocking service. If you have either of these services on your landline telephone, please register an alternate telephone number such as your cellular telephone for contact during an emergency.
7) Can I add more than one telephone number for my household?
a. Yes, you do have the ability to add more than one phone number for each household. However, in the event of an emergency, it will call all numbers listed for your household if you are in the geographic area for the alert. Therefore, it is important only to add the primary contact numbers for your household. This will enable emergency responders to decrease the time it takes to deliver the message to residents in the affected area.
8) Will I get charged for airtime on my cellular phone?
a. Yes, you will be charged the standard fee from your phone provider for receiving the emergency alerts. Ventura County is not responsible for any charges that may be incurred as a result of receiving these alerts.
9) Can I request to have my landline removed from the database?
a. You may request to have your landline removed from the REVERSE 911® database. However, you will have to submit a written request to the Office of Emergency Services indicating that you would like your phone number excluded from the database. Each time that your phone number changes, you will have to resubmit this request. The Office of Emergency Services does not encourage residents to have their phone number excluded from the database.
10) Does REVERSE 911® have the ability to send alerts in multiple languages?
a. Yes, the REVERSE 911® system has the ability to record alerts in multiple languages. When emergency responders are creating an outbound calling session, they have the ability to record the alert in any language. For example, during the October 2007 Ranch Fire, Piru residents received an alert in both English and Spanish. The demographic make-up of the geographic area will determine whether alerts are sent to the area in multiple languages.
11) What kind of alerts will I receive from REVERSE 911®?
a. Any local elected or appointed public official or public safety command officer may request activation of the REVERSE 911® system. This includes public health officials, human services officials, emergency managers, city managers, police or fire officials, or other public safety officers involved in the management of a major incident. However, they may only use the system to deliver alerts when there is a threat to the public health or safety of residents. Examples of proper uses of the system include: evacuation notices, hazardous materials releases, community policing activities (AMBER alerts, endangered missing adults, prisoner escapes, high incidence of criminal activity, etc.), and boil water alerts. The system will not be used to deliver political announcements, provide information on community events, or notify residents of road closures (unless it will affect residents during an evacuation). Therefore, when you receive a Reverse 911® message, it is important to listen carefully and follow all instructions provided with the alert. DO NOT CALL 911 to confirm whether the information is correct.
Still have additional questions? E-mail reverse911@ventura.org
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