LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish officials are urging residents to register with or update their information on the Parish mass notification system.

During an emergency, Blackboard Connect, the official mass notification system of St. John the Baptist Parish, sends texts, emails and voice messages to residents Parish-wide to keep them apprised of emergencies, protective actions and public safety issues that may affect them.

The system was recently renewed by the Parish and also has the new capability of sending two-way messages. For instance, some messages sent to users may contain the option to press 1 for assistance, press 2 for evacuation, etc. in times of crisis.

These replies will go directly to Parish officials and be used to assist with disaster response.

In addition, Blackboard Connect sends automated NOAA weather alerts, enabling recipients to receive messages that advise of severe weather including tornadoes and hurricanes, when their addresses are located within the weather map watch or warning.

To register or re-register, users only need a mode of contact and an address.

Enrollment in the system is voluntary and free and up to ten phone numbers and ten emails can be registered for each address.

The St. John Communications Department is encouraging people to sign up for the system so they can receive important alerts especially in the midst of hurricane season.

Anyone interested can register at sjbparish.com and clicking “Stay Connected.” For more information or for assistance with registering, contact Communications Director Baileigh Rebowe Helm at b.rebowe@stjohn-la.gov or 985-652-9569.

— Submitted by St. John Communications.