| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
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What types of notifications will I receive, and where will I receive them?
The AlertSCC emergency notification system may be used for a
variety of notifications related to earthquakes, fires,
crime incidents, hazardous material incidents, and
infectious disease information. AlertSCC will send messages
to phone numbers included in the emergency 911 database, 411
telephone directory database, and any other phone numbers.
AlertSCC will also send text messages to e-mail and SMS
addresses registered at AlertSCC.com.
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Is any of my contact information already in the
AlertSCC system database?
AlertSCC uses information from the emergency 911 and 411
databases to send phone messages, so your landline home or
business phone number should already be included. However,
the only cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses that are
included are those that people register at AlertSCC.com. To
be safe, it is recommended that you register all your phone
numbers - home and cell - and all your e-mail and SMS
addresses.
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What if I change my phone number or e-mail
address?
Update your contact information in AlertSCC so you can
receive information and instructions in the event of an
emergency.
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If I have provided more than one phone number,
what number will be called?
In extreme emergencies, AlertSCC will try to contact you at
all your phone numbers and contact points, whether provided
by you or by the 911 and 411 databases. In less severe
emergencies, AlertSCC will call the number provided by the
411 database and the number you indicate as your primary
phone number when you register.
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What precautions are taken to protect personal
contact information?
Policy and contract agreements prohibit AlertSCC personal
contact information from being shared, sold, traded, leased
or loaned to outside parties. Personal contact information
used by AlertSCC is secured physically and electronically.
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Does AlertSCC replace other emergency
notification systems?
No. AlertSCC will supplement the region’s existing emergency
communication methods, thus augmenting public safety and
first responder services. It will not take the place of the
911 and other communication and notification systems, such
as radio systems, that police, fire and other emergency
personnel currently use. Television, radio and County/city
web sites will continue to broadcast important announcements
as well. If your city already has a mass notification
system, it will be maintained until it is transitioned into
AlertSCC.
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Will AlertSCC call numbers outside of Santa
Clara County area codes?
Yes, but only if you register a phone number outside the
County with AlertSCC.
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Will AlertSCC work if I have a call screening
/blocking system on my phone?
In general, the system has been found to work with these
devices. However, there are several varieties of call
screening devices which use differing protocols for
screening, so some may require pre-programming to allow the
County’s or city’s telephone number to pass through.
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How does AlertSCC respond if a line is busy or
unanswered?
If a line is busy or unanswered, AlertSCC will try to call
again. If the call does not go through after three attempts,
the system will stop attempting to deliver the message. If
the phone is answered by a voicemail or answering machine,
the message will be left on the answering device.
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Is there a way to replay AlertSCC messages?
If you answer the AlertSCC call, you can follow the
instructions at the end of the message to hear a replay. If
you do not answer the AlertSCC call when it occurs, you may
dial 1-877-REPLAY-1 (1-877-737-5291) from the phone that was
called and listen to any message that was sent to that phone
number.
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Who can I contact for more information?
Contact the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services
by phone at (408) 808-7871 or by email at
alertscc@oes.sccgov.org
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| Disclaimer: AlertSCC is
effective and efficient, but you should not rely on it
exclusively. This system supplements, rather than replaces,
other communication methods used by emergency responders,
both in person and through the use of other media.
Television, radio and County/city websites will continue to
broadcast important announcements as well. AlertSCC
communications are dependent upon external providers such as
your wireless carrier or e-mail delivery service. County of
Santa Clara government cannot guarantee that notifications
will be received by the intended recipient. Service costs
from your carrier are your responsibility. |
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