County launches Reverse 911 service
System allows police, fire to notify residents by phone in the event of an emergency

Ventura County has announced the official launch of the REVERSE 911R Interactive Community Notification System. The system may be used to deliver alerts when there is a threat to the health or safety of residents in Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and the unincorporated areas of Ventura County.

REVERSE 911R is a telephonic community notification system that may be used for timesensitive, mass distribution of emergency messages. The system is effective in times of crisis when rapid communication to citizens or emergency responders is critical. Citizens may be given information regarding evacuation notices, hazardous material releases, community-policing activities or alerts to boil water if necessary.

When residents receive a REVERSE 911R message, it is important to listen carefully and follow all instructions provided in the alert.

It is also important for residents not to rely on this system as their only means of emergency information. The system may be used in conjunction with information provided to the media, directions given by emergency responders, and information posted on official city, county and government websites.

The system is able to send notifications to landline telephones, TTY phones, cellular phones, Voice Over Internet Protocol phones, and e-mail/ text addresses.

Currently, the REVERSE 911R database includes both listed and unlisted landline phone numbers for AT&T and Verizon customers. Residents who want to receive notifications on their cellular, TTY or VoIP phones will need to register online or call the Ventura County Sheriff 's Office of Emergency Services at (805) 648-9283.

For more information on the system or to register phone numbers online, residents can click on the "Disaster Information" link at www.countyofventura .org and select the REVERSE 911R icon.