The CalcaShout Emergency Alert System is a free service of the Police Jury that puts the latest emergency information in the palm of subscribers hands wherever they may be. CalcaShout is a “reverse 911” system, which utilizes existing emergency communication resources such as email, web, and phone-based alerts. The system will only be activated in an emergency situation when there is a serious risk of harm or threat to life. When such a threat occurs, a very brief pre-recorded message will be sent to those who subscribe to the system, instructing them to seek information and updates from other existing university information sources.
The CalcaShout Emergency Alert System is voluntary and is a free service. The system is powered by FirstCall systems. It allows residents in Calcasieu Parish to designate an alternate email address or telephone number where an email, voice or text message can be quickly sent in an emergency. The emergency contact information stored in the system is not displayed in a public directory, or used for any other purposes. Residents may sign-up their contact information at: www.calcashout.com. If a resident cannot access the internet, or has trouble entering their information, they may call the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 337.721.3800. “Time is the most important factor in an emergency. CalcaShout will get valuable information out to the public almost instantly, thereby giving residents time to react to the situation at hand,” says Dick Gremillion, Director for the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Sign up for CalcaShout here.