The director of information and communication services in Tecumseh wants everyone in town to register for the new mass notification system.
The system alerts residents in the event of an emergency like a boil water advisory or evacuation order.
It was used back in June 2014 when a massive fire broke out at the Bonduelle plant. A large area was evacuated after officials found an ammonia leak.
Shaun Fuerth says the old system worked, but the new one will work much better if there's another emergency.
"I think it was over 3,000 residents we were trying to get a hold of, but with one or two dozen phone lines dialing out, it took longer than we would have liked," he says. "This new technology allows for voice over IP or computer-enabled dialing."
While the town has access to most landlines in town, Fuerth says it's still important residents register.
"We do have some information through the records here at the town, but as you know, people are abandoning land lines and resorting to just having mobile phones in their homes. Whatever the best number is to reach them in an emergency," says Fuerth. "We also allow text messages to go out."
Town council voted to implement the new system last fall after the old provider closed.
You can register online or by calling 519-735-6381.
