FAQs • Westfield, MA • CivicEngage

When I go to sign up, it asks a lot of questions, why?: The system is capable of providing a lot of assistance to citizens based on information gathered. When we do future upgrades, information you have entered can be received if you make a 911 call from your registered phone. You do not have to enter everything now or even later if you choose not to, just your basic information such as your cell phone number and email address provides enough information to be notified.

▼
Rave Alert / Smart 911

1. Who will use the Rave Alert / Smart 911 System?: This system is used by the City of Westfield Emergency Management, Police, Fire, Dispatch, Public Works and Public Health. It will be utilized to notify residents of major emergencies within the City or things which may create a major disruption to the City.

2. How does this differ from what I already signed up for at my kid’s school?: The Rave Alert / Smart 911 system is NOT connected to the school’s system which is designed to notify parents of events impacting the school system or broadcasting information they feel parents should know.

3. What types of messages will I receive?: The City will NOT utilize Rave Alert/ Smart 911 for non-emergency related activity. You will not receive calls about a parade, fireworks, trash pickup, or events on the green. These types of notices will come from the City Website if you have signed up for alerts there.

4. Why are there different systems?: There are different systems due to the various reasons that departments in the City may need to notify citizens. We specifically separate Emergency notifications for there are many residents with no children in the school system, thus they do not want to receive school alerts. There are many citizens who choose not to receive non-emergency alerts. Many citizens choose only to be notified of emergency situations.

5. How do I sign up?: To sign up, go to the link below: https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=westfieldma

6. When I go to sign up, it asks a lot of questions, why?: The system is capable of providing a lot of assistance to citizens based on information gathered. When we do future upgrades, information you have entered can be received if you make a 911 call from your registered phone. You do not have to enter everything now or even later if you choose not to, just your basic information such as your cell phone number and email address provides enough information to be notified.

7. Is my information secure and how is it used?: Yes, your information is secure and it is not shared. It is only in the system for alert notifications through Rave Alert / Smart 911.

8. How will I know it is an alert message?: When you receive a call from the system, it will be a City of Westfield Emergency Management number. There will be an alert message sent and once you receive the first message, you can capture the number and load it in your phone and label it so you know that it came from the City of Westfield Rave Alert / Smart 911 system.

9. Why did we choose Rave?: The City was utilizing an emergency notification system called Rapid Notify. Rave purchased this company and to be more state of the art and robust, they have asked their customers to move over to the Rave Alert Notification System. We chose to stay with Rave due to their quality of service, price point, and general feedback shared by other communities. Rave is one of the leading systems used in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

10. Who should I contact if I have more questions?: If you have additional questions, you may contact the Emergency Management Director at (413) 568-1222. Leave a message and he will call you back, or you may email emanagement@cityofwestfield.org