Local businesses are being encouraged to sign up to the free SB Alert messaging service, which can provide them with specific business-related information, ranging from crime warnings to important changes in business legislation and severe weather warnings.
SB Alert is an extension to Scottish Borders Council’s successful resilient communities initiative and provides a multi-agency communication and alert system.
It is the first project of its kind to be rolled out across a local authority area in Scotland and is supported by a local partnership which also includes Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and NHS Borders.
Alerts can be provided by phone, text or email, as well as regular newsletters from the organisations in the partnership. The type of alert received can be chosen when signing up, ensuring that only relevant information is received. Individuals can withdraw from the system at any time.
Jim Fraser, SBC’s emergency planning officer, said: “The SB Alert system has already proved its worth on numerous occasions since its launch in October last year; it can greatly assist with preventing and solving criminal activity, and enabling local residents and businesses to prepare for bad weather.”
Sign up at www.sbalert.co.uk.