Notification Services
In an effort to improve emergency communications, county officials implemented Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), a mass notification service from Inspiron Logistics.
With WENS, county officials are able to create and rapidly disseminate voice messages regarding civil defense emergencies to thousands of residents, businesses and local agencies in minutes, through a single phone call.
This service allows officials to send text messages to cell phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), email accounts, and TTY/TDD receiving devices for the hearing impaired.
Examples of civil defense emergencies include: tsunamis; tropical cyclones; earthquakes; flash floods; and any other situation that could impact the safety, property, or welfare of Kauaʻi residents.
Publicly available primary residential and business phones on Kauaʻi are automatically included in the system. However, residents can opt in to provide their complete information, up to three phone numbers and two email addresses, and indicate if they have a TTY/TDD device.
To start receiving notifications, you can sign up online, call Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at (808) 241-1800 or email kema@kauai.gov.
FAQs
What is the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS)?
The Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) is a system that allows a client to immediately send out text messages, voice calls, emails and pages in the event of an emergency or severe weather event.
In addition to the opt-in warning notification service, the system has many potential beneficial uses. For example, the system provides the client with the capability to automatically send a recorded voice message to each phone number in the client’s database or to specifically targeted areas identified through electronic maps. The system can also be used for other special messages for which users “opt in” or request notification on certain topics or events.
Please note that no communication distribution method is infallible. For that reason, redundant systems of emergency notification, including the outdoor siren system, telephone, e-mail, text messages, and external systems on commercial radio and TV stations or weather radios may be used to send out alerts as soon as possible.
How do I sign up or register for the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS)?
How many phone numbers and e-mail addresses can I register?
As many as you need. The system is set up to limit each address to five phone number and two e-mail address registrations, but it is possible to register the address more than once. So, if you have six members in your family and each has a cell phone number, you will have to register your address twice to enter all of the numbers into the system. Please note that the organization reserves the right to restrict the number of registrations at an individual property.
How do I acquire additional information about WENS, report a problem with the system, or get help with my registration?
Please e-mail any additional questions or report problems to support@wensnetwork.com or call 866.998.9367.
I registered, but I don't seem to be receiving any notifications. What should I do?
Email support@wensnetwork.com or call 866.998.9367. We can help investigate what issues might be occurring and resolve the problem. The most likely problem is that there is a block on your phone number by your carrier to receive messages from shortcodes.
Is there a charge for registering to receive messages through WENS?
NO, this is a free service provided by the County of Kauai.
Your cell phone provider may charge you for receiving text or phone messages, however, if that is part of your plan with your provider. If you are concerned about being charged for a voice or text notification, check your service agreement with your wireless carrier for details. Service costs from your cellular provider are your responsibility.
What type of notifications will I receive?
You will receive alerts in the form of the mediums you register. For example, if you register your phone for SMS and Voice messages, and register your email address, you will receive alerts across all three mediums.
I do not have Internet access, how can I sign up to get WENS voice messages to my phones?
You may call 866-998-9367, and we can help you register.
Does WENS sell the phone numbers? Will registering for this system cause me to get more marketing calls or spam e-mails?
ABSOLUTELY NOT. Your registration information is private and will not be shared. Neither the County nor the third party provider will sell or provide the registered phone numbers or e-mail addresses to any other vendor or service.
How do I unsubscribe? I do not want to receive notification messages anymore.
At any time, you can simply return to the registration page via the registration website to unsubscribe. Click “Unsubscribe” at the bottom of the page. The system will then ask you for a phone number or e-mail address to unsubscribe. Enter the phone number or e-mail address you wish to unsubscribe and hit “unsubscribe”.
How do I update my information if my e-mail address, cell phone number, or other information has changed?
If your contact information has changed, follow the instructions above to unsubscribe the information that has changed. You may then register again with your new contact information.
How do I switch a phone number from receiving a text message to receiving a voice call or vice versa?
This is the same as changing contact information. You must follow the instructions above to unsubscribe the phone number and then you must re-register the number requesting the alternate notification method.