The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has amended its Voyent Alert! usage policy.
The communication service and alerting app is used by the regional district and numerous local governments to provide routine and emergency notifications via email, text and telephone.
The amendments incorporate the role of the deputy chief administrative office and the managing director, and provide clarity around terminology, processes and notification criteria and radius.
Among the changes, “Shelter in Place” is added to the list of critical alerts which can be issues.
The list of information notices has also been expanded to include emergency operations centre activation due to wildfire, flood or other emergencies, provincial road or highway closures affecting the regional district, bylaw amendment, temporary use permits and liquor and cannabis regulation brand applications.
The alerting app will not be used for third-party notifications, events, products, or services.
Communication that is the responsibility of other agencies will not go through the regional district unless directed by the community to provide support. Links to provincial partners, such as BC
Wildfire Service or Ministry of Transportation and Transit may be shared for reference.
Communication that solicits purchase of products or services, or paid program registration is also not allowed.
