NENS FAQS - Hazard Management Cayman Islands
NENS: Preparing Communities Today for Disasters of Tomorrow
What is the National Emergency Notification System (NENS)?
The National Emergency Notification System (NENS) broadcasts vital safety messages during major incidents, reaching individuals through radio interruptions and SMS alerts via the AtHoc app by BlackBerry.
Why NENS?
Communicating with the public in emergencies is a critical Government function. HMCI currently does that a number of ways including by sending information to local media and also though our website and social media sites. In 2018, HMCI launched the radio alert system in collaboration with Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC). This system enables HMCI and DPSC to broadcast emergency alert messages across all radio networks. The emergency messages interrupt (automatically) radio broadcasts after which normal programming resumes.
In order to reach as many persons in the Cayman Islands as possible, HMCI is continually working to increase the number of ways that emergency messages are delivered to the public. HMCI has now developed a mobile alert application (App) that can deliver emergency notifications to subscribers.
Residents and visitors can download the free app on their phones by going to nens.gov.ky. Once signed up, you will receive emergency notices from HMCI directly to your phone. You can select whether you want this emergency notifications to arrive by email or SMS text or both.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you encounter the error: "You do not have access to Blackberry AtHoc features. Contact your administrator for more information. [232D2W]", it typically means that your registration process was incomplete or not properly synced with the system. Here's how to resolve the issue step by step:
Steps to Resolve the Error:
- Complete the Web Registration Form:
- Go to the registration page: https://nens.gov.ky/athoc_registration_form.html.
- Fill out the form completely.
- Check the box to acknowledge the privacy notice.
- Click Submit.
- Download the App:
- Download the Blackberry AtHoc app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Register in the App:
- Open the Blackberry AtHoc app on your device.
- On the registration screen, enter the same email address you used during the web registration.
- Tap Send.
- Verify Your Email:
- Check your email inbox for a verification link from the Blackberry AtHoc system administrator.
- If you don’t see the email, check your spam/junk folder.
- Click Verify Now in the email to activate your account.
- Enter the Organization Code:
- Open the Blackberry AtHoc app again.
- Enter the organization code: HMCI.
- Tap Send.
- The app will confirm that you are now set up to receive notifications.
If you encounter the error: "Registration failed. Your reCAPTCHA is invalid. Please reload the page and try again" typically indicates that the reCAPTCHA verification process failed during registration. This could happen for several reasons. Here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:
Solution: Try a Different Browser or Device
Use a different web browser on your desktop, laptop, or another mobile device to complete the registration process. If the issue persists, reach out to the NENS support team at: nens@gov.ky.
If you encounter the error: "Unknown Error [23ZZZZ]," it typically means that your application requires reinstallation and an software update. Follow these steps to resolve the issue:
- Locate the BlackBerry AtHoc app on your device.
- Press and hold the app icon, then select Uninstall (Android) or Remove App (iOS).
- Confirm the uninstallation.
2. Download the App:
- Download the BlackBerry AtHoc app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
3. Register in the App:
- Open the BlackBerry AtHoc app on your device.
- On the registration screen, enter the same email address you used during web registration.
- Tap Send.
4. Verify Your Email:
- Check your email inbox for a verification link from the BlackBerry AtHoc system administrator.
- If you don’t see the email, check your spam or junk folder.
- Click Verify Now in the email to activate your account.
5. Enter the Organization Code:
- Open the BlackBerry AtHoc app again.
- Enter the organization code: HMCI.
- Tap Send.
The app will confirm that you are now set up to receive notifications.
It is recommended to check the BlackBerry AtHoc app at least once a month to ensure that it remains connected to the Cayman Islands public notification system.
To verify:
-
Open the BlackBerry AtHoc app.
-
Ensure that you are logged in and connected to Cayman Islands Public.
-
Check for any pending updates in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
-
If the app is not working as expected, try logging out and back in or reinstalling the app.
-
Stay updated with the latest Android and iOS software updates to ensure compatibility and security.
NENS alerts cover imminent threats to health and safety, involving multiple agencies. Examples include earthquakes, tsunamis, major fires, accidents, water/power supply disruptions, chemical spills, and airport/port disruptions.
Alerts provide incident details, location, and safety instructions, ensuring public safety.
Yes, NENS ensures continuous coverage, issuing alerts even outside regular hours.
App users receive alerts almost instantly, which is why it is the most recommended method by HMCI. SMS and email delivery times may vary due to network congestion but are sent in real time.
All Cayman Islands residents and visitors are encouraged to sign up for NENS alerts.
AtHoc by BlackBerry is a leading crisis communication platform, partnered with HMCI for NENS. The platform helps government agencies prepare for, respond to and recover from critical events and emergencies.
For iPhones, get the app from the Apple Store. For Samsung and Android phones, download from the Google Play Store.
After entering 'HMCI' as the organisation code, you're set to receive alerts.
Email is part of the sign-up process but won't be used for notifications unless you choose to receive alerts in that way
You can sign up on two devices using the same email.
The Blackberry app AtHoc is available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
AtHoc uses strong encryption and adheres to international data protection standards. Your information won't be shared with third parties as per our Privacy Notice.
Visit the portal to update your details if they change.
Downloading the app and receiving alerts are free. Network data usage may apply.
Alerts will sound even if your device is on silent, but SMS alerts are affected by volume settings .
You can delete the app or opt out of SMS alerts via the portal, and your information will be deleted.
In addition to NENS, official sources like government websites, Radio Cayman, and social media provide updates during major incidents.
Contact NENS@gov.ky for further guidance or information.
Sign up Now
Complete our simple registration process to receive emergency notifications.
