Weather Forecast Robocalls Disabled on Maynard’s Emergency Alert System

Weather-Related Alerts Will Now be Sent Manually by Maynard Emergency Management Agency

MAYNARD — Town Administrator Greg Johnson announces that weather forecast robocalls have been disabled on the town’s new Hyper-Reach alert system and weather alerts will now be sent manually by the Maynard Emergency Management Agency.

After residents received multiple robocalls over the weekend updating the weather forecast, it was determined that the calls would be disabled. Any notifications regarding storms or other weather-related incidents will now be done by the Maynard Emergency Management Agency.

The new emergency alert system, Hyper-Reach, replaced the previous Maynard Blackboard system. It provides rapid notification of hazardous and urgent situations using a mix of telephone calls, text and email messages, and even TTY/TDD service for the hearing impaired.

Because the system is new, the town is currently working to determine the best way to optimize it order to provide the most effective service to residents and community members without it being intrusive.

“Like with many new things, there are some kinks that need to be worked out,” Town Administrator Johnson said. “We want to thank residents in advance for their patience and understanding. The new system has worked great thus far and we hope that all residents and community members will sign up to receive alerts.”

Residents and people who work in the Town of Maynard are encouraged to enroll now either by calling or texting “Alert” to (978) 307-8700 or by going to the website http://hyper-reach.com/mamaynardsignup.html. There is also a link from the town’s web page.

Residents can also download the Hyper-Reach Anywhere app on their smartphone. Hyper-Reach Anywhere is a free smartphone app that allows individuals to manage and monitor the alerts they receive, both for their home and office addresses and for other important addresses, such as those of elderly relatives or friends.

###