Emergency business text scheme launched in Dewsbury to be rolled out across the borough

The service will let businesses know via text messages about the emergency and what they can do to help keep their staff, customers and businesses safe.

Successfully piloted in Huddersfield and Dewsbury Town Centres, the scheme is now being rolled out across Kirklees.

"Signing up to this service will help keep people safe, avoid unnecessary disruption and enable a return to normal business as soon as possible.

“I encourage all businesses to sign up to the free Kirklees Emergency Alert service.”

Kirklees has been divided into nine zones with businesses able to sign up to more than one zone depending on where they are located.

In the event of a significant emergency, the Council’s Emergency Planning Team, will send a text message to businesses in the affected zone or zones.

The text will contain information about the emergency and recommended actions businesses should take.

It’s easy to sign-up for the service - all businesses need to do is text 07860 098105 with some key information (for example: 5 Joe Bloggs Joinery Ltd):

Zone number your business is located in

Your name

Name of your business

This text alert is an additional service offered by Kirklees Council to businesses to assist with their emergency and business continuity preparedness.

Businesses can sign up to multiple zones if necessary but a separate text message should be sent to sign up to each individual zone.

Further information on the zones and text service can be found hereThe council is recommending up to four people from each business sign-up to ensure businesses receive the message.

Businesses that do not have a continuity plan can complete the council’s ‘10 minute business continuity plan’ or the more comprehensive ‘business continuity plan’ available on the council’s website hereBusinesses can opt out of this service at any time by sending the word "Stop" to 07860 098105.

Businesses who signed up to the pilot do not need to sign up again. Initial opt in message will cost one standard network rate message. All messages received after opt in are free.