The Brazoria County Petrochemical Council is modernizing the Community Awareness & Emergency Response (CAER) communication system to provide community members with faster, more consistent access to information regarding planned and unplanned industrial events.
The updated system enables BCPC member companies to post information directly to a new website – CAERinfo.com – providing a central hub for courtesy notifications, industrial drills and critical alerts.
Community members can also register on CAERinfo.com to receive critical notifications via text message, email or a phone call. By entering their address, subscribers can also receive notifications targeted specifically to their geographic area and may also choose to follow updates from specific companies.
“Effective communication is essential to maintaining trust and protecting our communities,” said David Cruz, CAER Committee Chairman. “This modernized CAER system allows BCPC member companies to provide timely, accurate information directly to the public while improving the overall reliability and accessibility of emergency communications in Brazoria County.”
The modernized system also includes the ability for companies to recommend geographically targeted alerts through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) if an incident presents an immediate concern to public health.
CAER serves as a communication platform for BCPC member companies and does not replace the authority of local emergency management agencies. Shelter-in-place or evacuation orders will continue to be issued by the appropriate city or county emergency management officials.
“The new CAER platform reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability and community engagement,” said BCPC Outreach Committee Chair Wendy Irwin. “Residents want clear and consistent information, and this system gives them a convenient way to stay informed about events that may affect their neighborhoods.”
As part of the transition, information previously available through the CAER phone line will now be accessible through CAERinfo.com, creating a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. Anyone who has a concern about a potential emergency should call 911.
