Emergency mass notification service test scheduled for June 16
LĪHUʻE — The Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) is advising the public of a planned test of Everbridge, the County’s new emergency mass notification service, at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16.
This test is part of KEMA’s ongoing efforts to evaluate and enhance the county’s multi-layered emergency communication capabilities and public alerting tools used during emergencies.
Residents and visitors on Kauaʻi may receive test alerts on their mobile device, landline, or by email during a one-hour window from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on June 16. The alerts will clearly state that they are tests.
The test may be delivered both to individuals who have subscribed directly to Everbridge notifications and, through Resident Connection, to additional verified phone numbers within the county. Please note that this test applies only to Everbridge emergency mass notifications issued by KEMA and does not include specialized alerts from the Department of Water.
Everbridge is a mass notification tool designed to quickly deliver critical information during emergencies such as flash floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards that threaten life or property.
It is one of several tools used to share emergency information and may be activated alongside sirens, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the Emergency Alert System (EAS), NOAA Weather Radio, private weather and emergency alert applications, and other technologies. Subscribers may receive messages by text, automated voice call, or email.
In addition to its opt-in subscriber list, the County’s Everbridge system includes Resident Connection, a feature that allows KEMA to reach a much broader audience during emergencies. Resident Connection draws from a national database of verified mobile, landline, and VoIP phone numbers, allowing alerts to be delivered even to residents and visitors who have not signed up directly. The feature also allows KEMA to geo-target messages to a specific neighborhood or broadcast islandwide, depending on the nature of the emergency.
“Reaching every member of our community quickly and reliably is one of our highest priorities during an emergency,” said Elton Ushio, KEMA Administrator. “With Everbridge and Resident Connection, we are able to extend our reach well beyond our opt-in subscriber list and connect with residents and visitors across more devices. Signing up directly remains the most reliable way to make sure you receive every alert on every device that matters to you, and we strongly encourage everyone on Kauaʻi to take a few minutes to register.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to subscribe to landlines, cell phones, or email addresses to Everbridge by visiting Kauai.gov/KEMA. When filling out the sign-up form, you will automatically be enrolled for KEMA emergency alerts. If you would like to receive specialized alerts from the Department of Water, please select that on the form. The Department of Water uses Everbridge to send water outage alerts, water conservation notices, and more.
Following the test, KEMA will evaluate system performance, including delivery success and geographic reach, and will guide future improvements and support full implementation before an emergency occurs.
For more information about Everbridge or emergency preparedness on Kauaʻi, visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA or call (808) 241-1800.
If you have questions or require an auxiliary aid or service, an interpreter for non-English speakers, or other accommodations due to a disability, please contact the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at (808) 241-1800 or email kema@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Early requests are encouraged to allow adequate time to meet your needs. This notice is available in alternate formats upon request, including large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
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