We have our own SMS alert system that we use in conjunction with radios to communicate.
The reason we have started this system is because not everybody in the group has got a radio and even if they do not everybody will be near a radio when a message comes through. The idea is not to replace the radios but rather to give the group another tool to work with.
With this system you may be at work or in another city and you will still receive the message. Also, the message stays on your phone until you remove it yourself, which makes it easier to for instance spot vehicles when the registration, colour etc. was provided as part of the message.
To join you need send an email to garslink@gmail.com with your physical address and all the numbers and names of all persons you want to register (The first number in your list will become the primary number to which the account is linked). We will then send you information on how and where to pay (currently R60 per registered cell number for 1 year).
How the system works:
You first need to register and pay R65 (for 12 months) for each cell number you want to join to the system. You will then receive a message indicating that you are registered on the system.
When you are registered
- If you notice something that you think the Garslink group should know of (suspicious vehicles / people) or have an emergency you may send a message to the system and it will forward it to all registered users
- If you have an emergency (life threatening), you may call the number and the system immediately will send an automated message to all registered users. For this reason we suggest that you save the number as a quick dial on your cell phone (we normally use number 9 as the quick dial number). You can contact us (please provide your cell phone model etc.) if you need assistance in this regard and we will try and help
PLEASE NOTE:
- The system is to be used only for information regarding community security, emergencies (and yes, a lost husband, wife, kid or animal is seen as an emergency) etc.
- Please DO NOT send any “general information” messages as this will be automatically forwarded to everyone on the system and only deplete available funds.
- Please DO NOT reply to any messages UNLESS you have something of value to add to the message (All replies will also be sent to everybody in the group).
- You may send “?test” (without the quotes) to the system and you should get a reply within a few minutes, informing you that you are registered and that the system is operational.
Please send mail to garslink@gmail.com if you have any questions and we will answer as soon as possible.
