FAQs • Andover • CivicEngage

What does "reverse 911" hybrid mean?: First, Reverse 911™ is a brand name. Similar to "Google" it has been used generally, but it is a specific product name. In the original "reverse 911" system, a 911 Central used the registrations of home land-lines to reverse call from the 911 center to the homes. Today, less than 50% of households have traditional land-lines. Cell phone and Voice over IP phones are not available for a 911 center to use. Therefore, Andover has chosen to use Everbridge, and we populated our database with a commercially available "white pages" listing. While this is far from complete, it is a starting point. We combine that with an "opt-in" portal that allows citizens and businesses to register any number and/or address they wish to receive our Alerts.

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Alert Andover FAQs

1. What is Alert Andover?: Alert Andover is a "reverse 911" hybrid mass notification system to send both emergency and informational messages to citizens and businesses who have "opted in" to the program.

2. What does "reverse 911" hybrid mean?: First, Reverse 911™ is a brand name. Similar to "Google" it has been used generally, but it is a specific product name. In the original "reverse 911" system, a 911 Central used the registrations of home land-lines to reverse call from the 911 center to the homes. Today, less than 50% of households have traditional land-lines. Cell phone and Voice over IP phones are not available for a 911 center to use. Therefore, Andover has chosen to use Everbridge, and we populated our database with a commercially available "white pages" listing. While this is far from complete, it is a starting point. We combine that with an "opt-in" portal that allows citizens and businesses to register any number and/or address they wish to receive our Alerts.

3. If more than one person registers an address, will we receive multiple Alerts?: Maybe... Alert Andover will cross reference addresses with registered users. If several users have registered the same phone number, such as a home phone, the home phone will only be called once. However, if several different users at the same address have registered different cell phone numbers, each cell phone will receive its own Alert.

4. I received an Alert, now what?: If you received an Alert, and received it in the correct manner (phone call, text, email), act on the information as needed. Do NOT call 911 unless instructed (or you have a direct emergency). Communications Officers may be busy handling the situation that prompted the Alert. The Alert should include necessary information and/or directions.
If you did not receive the Alert in the correct manner, contact 316-733-5177 ext. 0 and leave a message that your contact information needs correct and someone will return your call when possible to assist you.