PARIS, March 17 (UPI) -- A pilot launch of a national emergency alert and information system began in Belgium Monday.
Thales and program partner Unified Messaging Systems Norway designed and implemented the Be-Alert national warning system, incorporating proprietary technology from UMS, for the Crisis Center of the Federal Public Service.
In addition to technology, Thales is providing Crisis Center with additional support for the rollout of this pilot project, including local assistance, training operators and adapting the system to the customer's requirements. Thales received the contract last year.
"The Crisis Center sees Thales as a solid and dependable partner to conduct this type of project to protect Belgium's citizens," said Jaak Raes, director general of the Crisis Center, Belgium. "Thales offered a tailored solution that met all of our requirements."
Be-Alert is accessed via the Internet. Under the pilot program, citizens can register with the system online to directly receive emergency and information alerts. Eleven provincial governors and 33 pilot communities have been able to access the platform and application since January using specific ID credentials for alerts in the event of a crisis via SMS, fixed and mobile voice, email, fax and/or social networks, Thales said.
Following a test and analysis period, the Be-Alert system will be rolled out nationally.
