The Emergency Coordinator for Steinbach says it is a system he hopes doesn't get a lot of use. Denis Vassart is referring to Steinbach Alert Now. He calls it a system that will further aid in keeping residents informed of ensuing emergencies.

Steinbach Alert Now is an emergency notification service that sends off a telephone, text or email message any time there is an emergency that threatens people or property. Residents sign up online.

"I'm pretty pumped to have it in place," notes Vassart. "It's something we've been looking for, for probably eight to ten years now, working towards getting something. And I'm very pleased to see that the city has decided that it's something that is a worthwhile endeavour."

According to Vassart, the system probably would have been used several times over the last couple of years. He says there have been a number of tornado warnings where a notification message would have been sent out or for example during the fire evacuations in April.

Vassart says ideally they would have this system plus sirens. But he explains installing sirens costs about $200,000 and if the wind happens to be coming from the wrong direction or your windows are closed in your house, you might not here those. Steinbach Alert Now costs $5,000 per year. Vassart says that is about $.30 per resident on a per capita basis. The system is paid for by the city.

Steinbach Alert Now is different from Alert Ready, which runs on Steinbach radio stations and is triggered by Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization and Environment Canada.

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