MidtownAlert
We have set up a system known as MidtownAlert in which folks can send out an urgent alert on their own to the neighborhood without having to wait for us to properly assess the situation (we’re volunteers with our own jobs too). We have modeled this after the system they have going in VaHi. They started theirs after they had an incident in which a deranged individual was running around with a machete. Thank goodness we don’t see machete-wielding psychopaths too often, but in the age of Twitter it is nice to have one more tool to serve the neighborhood.
Additionally, MidtownAlert can also be used to alert others to traffic conditions (something totally outside the scope and mission of the MPSA). Last year a tree fell across Monroe Drive and created a morning rush-hour nightmare. Folks would have benefitted if they had known to take a different route than usual to work that day. The January 2011 winter storm would have been a great way for folks to share observations on nearby street conditions.
How it works: You must have a Twitter account, and then “follow” MidtownAlert (one word). Once you “follow” MidtownAlertwe have to follow you before you can broadcast to the neighborhood. This is certainly experimental, as it remains to be seen how this will actually be used. We are asking that you limit the use to urgent situations in which folks would benefit from knowing time-sensitive information. As we go, we can refine the best uses for this. This works separately from the regular MPSA Twitter . We encourage you to “follow” MidtownPonce too, but we do not want unmoderated content on regular MPSA channels.
STEP SEQUENCE
1 CALL PROPER PARTIES – 911, GA Power, etc.
2. Use MidtownAlert – Once you are set up you can send an SMS to 40404, start you message with “d MidtownAlert” followed by the message (140 characters max including command – see below).
3. Contact MPSA at info@midtownponce – we need more details (not necessary for traffic issues).
CONTENT OF ALERTS
1. What’s happening
2. Where it’s happening
3. Who dunnit – Description of suspects, vehicles, as applicable
4. Who’s been notified – 911, Power company, etc.
TO GET STARTED
1. Set up your own Twitter account
2. Log into your Twitter account and “follow” MidtownAlert.
3. Please only use Twitter accounts without auto-reply features!
4. You will need to request that we “follow“ your Twitter account by sending email to alert@midtownponce.org.
5. Send SMS to 40404 with the text “Follow MidtownAlert” and follow the instructions in resulting automatic replies.
USES FOR MIDTOWNALERT
1. Crime incidents in progress or having just occurred, when culprit is likely still in the neighborhood or when danger continues to exist
2. Trees down, major accidents causing serious traffic disruption, fires in progress, and power outage.
3. Missing child, after missing person report filed with police.
BEFORE SENDING ALERT
Make sure the situation has not been reported via MidtownAlert
Send only meaningful updates to previous messages
Twitter messages are limited to 140 characters INCLUDING commands (“d MidtownAlert + message itself). If needed, split message into two or a maximum of three immediately successive messages.
UNACCEPTABLE USES OF MIDTOWNALERT
Cable TV outages or other non-essential services
Reporting burglaries, car break-ins, etc. after the fact when perpetrators are not likely to be in the area (notify MPSA instead after filing police report).
CAVEAT
Because anyone in the neighborhood (once we “follow” them via MidtownAlert Twitter account) can send alerts, please understand that the MPSA still needs to investigate and follow up. We are therefore unable to guarantee complete accuracy, and rely on followers to adhere to these guidelines.
Sponsors
Many thanks for our community sponsors! While the majority of our funding comes from residents and small businesses, a significant portion of our neighborhood patrol funds comes from the following sponsors:
