The Hazard Management of the Cayman Islands (HMCI) has begun the development of the Island-wide Emergency Alert System that will notify the public when a threat is declared.
The Emergency Alert System that the Islands have been using for the past years has been a press release on all media houses to advise the public. The press release notification is also posted on the HMCI website and their social media accounts.
The first phase of the National Emergency Notification System has been fully operational since 2018. It allows emergency interruption broadcasts across all radio stations in the Cayman Islands.
The second phase involves a mobile app for national alerts, which once completed, will be available for the public to download. This phase includes a wider range of solutions including the establishment of a cell broadcast system which will permit ‘Amber Alert’ type messages to be sent directly to mobile phones. Simultaneous warning messages will be sent via SMS (text message) and email to all mobile phone users making them aware of the emergency.
This phase is expected to be completed by 2020, in the second quarter.
The National Emergency Notification will eventually include a broad range of alert mechanisms but residents are also encouraged to establish a family and business hazard plan.