County Launches New Notification System, Urges Citizens to Register
Charles County Government has replaced its Citizen Notification System (CNS) to provide enhanced communications to the public. The new system offers many new features, including improved text message delivery. All citizens are urged to register for the new system online. Beginning today, Oct. 6 the online portal is open for registration at http://www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/CNS.
The previous CNS has been replaced in its entirety. Registrations from the old system will not be transferred. To continue receiving CNS notifications, individuals registered in the previous system must sign up online for a new account. As of Oct. 20, all CNS notifications will be delivered from the new system; the old one will be closed.
Charles County Government, and affiliated agencies including the Charles County Public Schools and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, will use CNS to send important notifications. During the registration process, citizens will be able to manage their message settings, provide preferred contact information, and select categories of information they wish to receive.
The new CNS is powered by Everbridge, Inc., a recognized leader in emergency notification platforms with clients in all major industries and government sectors, connecting more than 50 million people around the world. CNS now allows county officials to quickly deliver critical notifications via text messaging, email, and social media. Also, the expanded system offers enhanced geo-mapping so officials can quickly contact specific groups and geographical locations, sending messages only to residents within select neighborhoods when needed.
Charles County Department of Emergency Services Director William Stephens said, “Having the ability to quickly and reliably disseminate critical emergency notifications to our citizenry is an essential component of our emergency services program in Charles County. The new and enhanced Citizen Notification System (CNS) powered by Everbridge is exactly the tool we need. I strongly encourage everyone to register.”
Residents can subscribe to a variety of notification categories, such as:
-- School Closings/Delays
-- Public Health Advisories
-- Crime Alerts
-- Emergency Alerts
CNS notifications can be accessed on any computer or mobile device with Internet access, and through the free Android or iOS Everbridge mobile applications, available for download from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Residents with call blocking services should add 301-396-5235 to their approved number list to ensure they receive important county notifications.
To access a Frequently Asked Questions document and other helpful information on CNS, visit http://www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/CNS. For further information, email CNSadministrator@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Residents without Internet access, or who need assistance, may call 301-645-0734. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Tri-County Animal Shelter Closed Oct. 23 and Nov. 6
The Tri-County Animal Shelter (6707 Animal Shelter Road, Hughesville) will be closed to the public Thursday, Oct. 23 and Thursday, Nov. 6 for staff training.
Staff will be trained in shelter dog assessment through Peaceable Paws, http://www.PeaceablePaws.com and compassion fatigue through the Humane Society of the United States, http://www.HumaneSociety.org. In addition to these two training opportunities, the Humane Society Management Services, LLC from Reading, Pa. will conduct an evaluation of the Tri-County Animal Shelter’s programs, services, and operations.
Funding for these programs is made available by the Tri-County Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, a volunteer group appointed by the commissioners of Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert counties.
Charles County Commissioners Meeting Agendas for Oct. 14 & 15
Tuesday, Oct. 14, Charles County Commissioners' Meeting
The County Commissioners will not be holding public session. The Commissioners will be representing the county at other meetings and will conduct individual appointments as scheduled.
Wednesday, Oct. 15, Charles County Commissioners' Meeting
The County Commissioners will not be holding public session. The Commissioners will be representing the county at other meetings and will conduct individual appointments as scheduled.