This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-24366023
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Glasgow emergency text alert tests begin | Glasgow emergency text alert tests begin |
(about 17 hours later) | |
Testing of a new text messaging system which alerts members of the public to emergencies has started in Glasgow. | |
Three different test messages are being sent to O2 customers in a small area of the city from 14:00 on Thursday. | |
The messages will make it clear they are part of a trial. Those who receive them do not need to take any action but are encouraged to complete an online survey or take part in focus groups. | The messages will make it clear they are part of a trial. Those who receive them do not need to take any action but are encouraged to complete an online survey or take part in focus groups. |
The trial is being run by the mobile operator and Glasgow City Council. | The trial is being run by the mobile operator and Glasgow City Council. |
The exercise, along with others in Yorkshire and Suffolk, is part of wider UK tests being conducted by the Cabinet Office. | The exercise, along with others in Yorkshire and Suffolk, is part of wider UK tests being conducted by the Cabinet Office. |
'Accurate information' | 'Accurate information' |
They are intended to examine how various alerting technologies work and the public's reaction to them. | They are intended to examine how various alerting technologies work and the public's reaction to them. |
Annemarie O'Donnell, executive director of corporate services at Glasgow City Council, said: "The council has a legal duty to have systems in place to allow us to communicate with people in the city in the event of an emergency. | Annemarie O'Donnell, executive director of corporate services at Glasgow City Council, said: "The council has a legal duty to have systems in place to allow us to communicate with people in the city in the event of an emergency. |
"We already have many different methods of communication, including the council's Twitter feed, which has more than 35,000 followers. | "We already have many different methods of communication, including the council's Twitter feed, which has more than 35,000 followers. |
"However, being able to send messages directly to mobile phones in a specific geographic area would be an added bonus and would allow us to communicate with large numbers of people, including those who may only be passing through the city." | "However, being able to send messages directly to mobile phones in a specific geographic area would be an added bonus and would allow us to communicate with large numbers of people, including those who may only be passing through the city." |
Ms O'Donnell said that being able to send "timely, accurate information in the event of an emergency" would help councils and the emergency services deal with major incidents. | Ms O'Donnell said that being able to send "timely, accurate information in the event of an emergency" would help councils and the emergency services deal with major incidents. |
Billy Darcy, public sector managing director at O2, said: "We believe mobile technology can play a vital and effective role in the simultaneous mass communication of emergency messages to the public, should the need ever arise. | Billy Darcy, public sector managing director at O2, said: "We believe mobile technology can play a vital and effective role in the simultaneous mass communication of emergency messages to the public, should the need ever arise. |
"We look forward to assessing the results of the trial, once it is completed, and agreeing the next steps with the government." | "We look forward to assessing the results of the trial, once it is completed, and agreeing the next steps with the government." |
People receiving test text messages can email the cabinet office to take part in focus groups or take part in an online survey. | People receiving test text messages can email the cabinet office to take part in focus groups or take part in an online survey. |
Previous version
1
Next version