Wellfleet public safety officials now have access to an automated telephone notification system which can be used to alert the public in the event of an emergency.  The system is called the Rapid Alert System and is operated by the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office.  

The Rapid Alert System is a region-wide emergency notification system which uses computer mapping software and automated telephone calling to send a message to a specific geographic area. The targeted area for a message can be as large as the entire county, or as small as several houses in a neighborhood.

Emergency messages will be initiated by authorized officials from the Police or Fire Department. Once a message is verified, the system can be activated in about 10-20 minutes.  For a short emergency message, the system can notify all listed Wellfleet phones in about one hour.

The Rapid Alert System will call all listed residential or business landline phones.  Those with unlisted, cell phone, or voice-over-internet numbers can add their phone numbers to the system by filling out a form or by calling the Sheriff’s Office.  All numbers are kept confidential and are used only for emergency notification calls. The list of phone numbers is updated quarterly by the Sheriff’s Office.  

More information is available through the Sheriff’s web site at www.bsheriff.net.  The site has a downloadable form for telephone number authorization.  You can also call the Rapid Alert update line at 508-563-4479 with any questions.  You can click here to download the form, or pick up a form at either the Police or Fire Department or at the Wellfleet Senior Center.  Remember that you only need to fill out this form if you have an unlisted, cell, or VOIP number that you want to receive alert messages.

The Wellfleet Police and Fire Departments will conduct a test notification to Wellfleet phone numbers on November 17, 2008, beginning about 11 AM.  If you don’t receive the test message, you should contact the Sheriff’s office to register your phone number with the system.

The Wellfleet Police Department is here to serve the public. If you have a problem, concern or ideas please feel free to contact us. We will assist the public in working to make our community a better place to live and visit.

Respectfully,

Lt. Ron Fisette

E-mail the Lieutenant