Promptly at 10AM, approximately 40 individuals gathered at the corner of Webster and Water streets for a press conference Friday that attracted interest from residents and local governing bodies regarding a new notification system called “Naper Notify.”
With Naperville City Councilman Bob Fieseler serving as Mayor Pro Tem, other members of the City Council were in attendance to announce the launch of a new notification system that automatically will send messages to individuals who voluntarily sign up.
According to Naperville City Manager Doug Krieger, the contact system as it is launched today will send both emergency and community messages. Users of the new service can sign up for one or both services to receive contact via home telephone, cell phone, e-mail and/or text—whatever is preferred.
Krieger explained the ability to target specific regions in the event of an emergency, giving users a choice regarding the locations most important to them.
Naperville residents can receive notifications about emergencies that may affect their home, parents’ home, workplace or their child’s school—as long as those locations are within the boundaries of the City of Naperville.
Sign up is voluntary and not limited to Naperville residents. Â Krieger noted the appeal of Naperville goes beyond the city’s borders, so there will be no geographic restrictions for users of the service. Â Going forward, the City will use local special events as occasions to educate citizens about Naper Notify.
“Security and privacy are obviously a big concern,” said Krieger in answer to another question.
He assured attendees that all personal information will be protected.
Emergency alerts will be 24-7. Non-emergency messages will be distributed from 6AM to 9PM.
During the Q&A, Krieger also said the initiative has been in the works for two and half years. The cost for the 3-year contract  is $97,000.
“It’s ready to go today…Live!”
For more information, visit www.napernotify.com on the City’s website where many frequently asked questions are answered.
The page on the City’s website goes into detail about the new service, providing terms and conditions as well as good information to know prior to signing up for the service created by Everbridge, the company the City selected to host Naper Notify.