Town To Use Reverse-911 System

The town of Lynnfield will soon begin using a new public safety tool to keep in touch with citizens.

At this week's selectmen's meeting, Fire Chief Tom Bogart described the Reverse 911 system that later this year will allow town department heads to send out updates about weather and law enforcement emergencies, boil water orders and other safety issues.

Along with alerting all Lynnfield residents about a safety hazard via text, cell phone and other methods, the system allows for specific areas of town to be able to receive alerts.

"We think it was a good idea for us at this time," said Bogart, "We probably should have done this a while ago."

During the meeting, Town Administrator Bill Gustus noted that the three-year deal with Emergency Communications Network costs $8,300, with the two water districts each picking up a third of that cost and the town paying the other third.