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Administration on implementing the “COPsync” program which allows for instant notification of
a significant school emergency direct to Dispatch and Police Cruisers.

Training:
All Dispatchers attended a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education during each fiscal year
as per State requirements which include, but are not limited to, training in Emergency Medical
Dispatch (EMD) and CPR. We are also members of the Massachusetts Communications
Supervisors Association (MCSA) and benefit greatly from Trainings and shared experiences of
Dispatchers from across the state at monthly meetings.

Emergency Notification System:
Since January 2007 we have been using an internet based Emergency Notification System for
urgent or time sensitive relaying of messages to the Citizens of Boxford. Our current vendor is
Emergency Communications Network which operates the “Code Red” alert system. This system
automatically includes all published residential and business phone numbers in the Town of
Boxford. If a resident has a non published phone number or wishes to add cell phone
numbers or email addresses they should print a copy of the “Town Telephone Notification
System” form available on the Town website or you can pick up forms at the Communications
Center located in the Police Station at 285 Ipswich Rd. or at Town Hall. Notifications can be done
via Phone/Voice, Email and Text. In 2015 we used this system 19 times to send out messages
related to Power Outages, Carbon Monoxide Safety, DPW road paving and road closures and
trash pickup delays.

Power Outages:
If you should lose power to your residence it is extremely important to notify National Grid at
either 1-800-322-3223 or 1-800-465-1212, as they prioritize their response based on the number
of power outage calls received from the residents in a community. Please keep this number in a
handy location.

House Numbers:
Please POST YOUR HOUSE NUMBER in a manner that is visible day or night to any
responding emergency units regardless of what direction they may be coming from. This is vitally
important to your safety and the safety of everyone in your house. Please choose LARGE,
reflective numbers.

Alarm Systems:
If you have a home alarm system I would encourage you to provide the Communications
Department with a list of contact #’s in the event that we need to reach you regarding any
emergency situation that may arise at your home. Alarm update forms can be picked up at the
Communications Center on any day of the week at any time. Information provided is used solely
by the Communications Department in assisting the Police, Fire and other Public Safety agencies
in town during emergencies. L.W. Bills Co. of Georgetown maintains the equipment at the
Communications Center for alarm monitoring of residences and town buildings. Residents
interested in connecting directly to the Communications Center can contact me or L.W. Bills Co.
directly, please note that there is a yearly maintenance fee for this connection.

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