Hanover Park Implements New Municipal Complex Emergency Alert System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10th, 2019
Deputy Chief Terrence Sherrill
630-823-5512
tsherrill@hpil.org

Hanover Park, IL– The Village of Hanover Park has implemented a new, state-of-the-art emergency alert system in the Village municipal complex.  The system, a product of BluePoint Alert Solutions, consists of blue ‘pull boxes’ with ‘POLICE’ emblazoned on each box.  The boxes have been installed in multiple buildings throughout the Village complex, as well as at satellite buildings offsite that are staffed by village employees.  In the event that an armed police response is needed, the boxes can be activated by a simple lever system.  When a pull box is activated, a multi-level alert is initiated, which includes an audible message, strobe lights, and a transmitted message to all desktop phones in the Village.  Additionally, text and email notifications are sent to each Village cellular phone to alert employees who may not be inside a building when the system is activated.  The system sends critical information in real-time directly to first responders, allowing for a coordinated rapid response to incidents.  The system is unique in that an activation at one location triggers alerts in the other buildings, including those buildings off campus.  Hanover Park Police and Fire personnel are dispatched by DuPage Public Safety Communications (DU-COMM), which also receives an immediate alarm when a pull box is activated to initiate the deployment of first responders. 
 
All village employees and elected officials received training on the new emergency alert system as part of the village’s annual active shooter training. 
 
“Improving the overall safety of the Village is our top priority,” said Police Chief Michael Menough.  “The implementation of this cutting-edge system in our Village buildings will help increase the level of safety for our employees and guests, and provide for rapid, informed emergency response should critical incidents occur.”