Zelienople officials deserve positive notice for the way they have pushed ahead in regard to establishing an emergency communications system for the community. Borough residents and business owners must now do their part and provide the borough with telephone numbers and e-mail addresses so the system can become as functional as possible.

The new system involves an auto-dialer similar to those used by telemarketing companies. However, its function in Zelienople will be to alert residents, businesses and property owners about emergency situations that could affect them.

The system is a positive result stemming from the Hurricane Ivan emergency in September 2004. The borough council voted in February 2005 to buy the system after residents complained about the borough's response to the Ivan flooding.

According to Donald Pepe, borough manager, the system is functional but cannot be put into full use until the contact information is collected. Borough residents and businesses should show appreciation for borough officials' commitment to providing the system by being cooperative in terms of providing the information being sought.

Zelienople's experience in implementing the system could be valuable to other communities considering a similar early-warning asset

— J.R.K.