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1. What is the Blackboard Connect service?

The Blackboard Connect service allows authorized civic leaders to create and rapidly disseminate time-sensitive messages to every telephone number stored in the notification database. With the Blackboard Connect service, authorized users can send thousands of messages in minutes. Only authorized officials are allowed access to the system.

2. How does the service work?

Authorized officials compose and record a voice and text message. That message is then delivered to individual telephones, cell phones, and text-receiving devices in the notification database.

3. What types of messages will be sent using the service?

Any message regarding the safety or welfare of our community will be disseminated using the Blackboard Connect service. Examples include severe weather warnings and updates, hazardous traffic or road conditions inside the city or affecting local routes, and any other situation that could impact the safety, property, or welfare of our citizens.

4. Is my telephone number included in the notification database?

It is our intention and hope that every residence and commercial facility in our community be included in the notification database. For businesses, we store only one main phone number. For residents, we may have more than one number that belongs to you in the database. Additionally, you may request to have a secondary number be entered into our database for priority calling.

5. May I use a cell phone as my notification database listing?

Yes, we can accept cell phones as secondary phone numbers in the database and encourage you to request that your cell number be included.

6. What precautions are being taken to protect personal information?

Blackboard Connect takes security and privacy concerns very seriously and does not sell, trade, lease, or loan any data about our clients to any third party. From a technical perspective, we utilize multiple physical and virtual layers of firewalls to maintain data security. Blackboard Connect only utilizes secure transmissions with its customers. No confidential information is ever transmitted between Blackboard Connect and its customers using e-mail or FTP but rather always utilizes either a VPN tunnel or SSL. Data is hosted in state-of-the-art facilities which require photo identification, thumb-print recognition and keyed access; the facilities are manned 24/7 with full-security personnel. All data is encrypted prior to being placed on tape for offsite storage. Blackboard Connect also retains an external, independent security firm to perform annual security audits.

7. Will the Blackboard Connect service work if I have a call screening system on my phone?

There are several varieties of call screening devices that use differing protocols for screening. In general, the system has been found to work with these devices, but some may require some type of pre-programming to allow our city’s telephone number to pass through. We may conduct periodic tests to assure that messages are being delivered to numbers in the notification database.

8. If I am a non-resident home or condominium owner, what phone should be listed in the notification database?

For non-residents or owners who reside out of our city, you may provide an additional phone number to be included in our database to contact during certain situations. In general, calls are sent to the primary number only, but we also have the ability to call multiple numbers for each resident or business when requested by the resident or business. Please contact the Fire Department at 817-491-2301 to provide us with that information.

9. If I have provided more than one phone number, when will they be called?

Should a situation arise that requires us to contact you at multiple phone numbers, we can activate the system to place a simultaneous call to all of your numbers. In most cases, we will be sending calls only to one phone number.

10. My primary phone or my second listing is a cell phone with a non-local area code. Will the Blackboard Connect service call numbers outside the area?

Yes. The area code does not impact whether or not a call is made.

11. How does the Blackboard Connect system respond to busy signals or no-answer situations?

For busy signals, the call will be repeated several times in an attempt to reach you. The same is true for no-answer and call-waiting. If a message recorder answers the phone, the message will be left on the answering device. If, after several attempts, the call does not successfully go through, the system will stop attempting to call.

12. I am receiving city notification calls at my fax or my secondary phone line. Can I switch to have the system call my primary phone number?

Yes. Please contact us at 817-491-2301 to change the phone number in our notification database

13. I was not able to listen to the entire call. Is there a way to repeat the message?

Yes, at the end of the message playback, simply press the star (*) key on your telephone to have it repeated in its entirety.

14. I answer the phone but the “Hello” message repeats. It then hangs up, calls back, and the same thing happens again. How can I hear the entire message?

Repeating or looping of messages happens when the system detects excessive noise in the background. Loud radio/television volumes, people talking, or busy traffic noise can cause this. When you receive the next call, say “Hello” once and turn down the volume of your radio/television, or press the mute button on your telephone to allow full message delivery.

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1. I called for an ambulance and a fire engine came with it. Why does a fire truck go on medical calls with the ambulance?

A fire engine is automatically sent anytime an ambulance is requested. All fire department personnel are trained and certified paramedics. Some calls have multiple patients or may be severe enough to require the help of all the emergency personnel on scene. Additionally, our engine is equipped with advanced medical equipment and medications. Should the ambulance be delayed, the engine crew can begin advanced life support treatment while the patient is waiting to be transported.

2. How can I arrange a tour of the fire station?

The Fire Marshal schedules all tours of the facility. Call our offices and ask to speak with the Fire Marshal, 817-491-2301.

3. My child’s birthday is coming up soon. May we have a birthday party at the fire station?

Sorry, we do not allow the use of the fire station for children’s birthday parties. However, a tour can be scheduled for after the party.

4. May I get my blood pressure checked at the fire station?

Yes, we will be glad to check your blood pressure during reasonable times of the day.

5. May I burn brush or trash in the city limits?

In some instances the Fire Marshal may issue a burn permit for burning class “A” combustibles, but only if strict guidelines are met. Call the Fire Marshal’s office, 817-491-2301, for details on obtaining a burn permit.

6. Is it okay to park in a fire lane if I’m only out of my car for a minute?

No, you may not park in a fire lane, even if it’s only for a minute and you have your hazard flashers on. Doing so subjects you to being issued a citation and having to appear before the judge in municipal court. Fire lanes are for the exclusive use of fire, EMS, and police personnel.

7. What is the Citizen’s Fire Academy?

It is a program designed for people who have a genuine desire to learn about the daily life of firefighters, who want to increase fire and life safety awareness, and who wish to increase the awareness of the services provided by the Roanoke Fire Department. Graduates are encouraged to join the Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association.

8. When and where are the Citizen’s Fire Academy classes conducted?

We host one Citizen’s Fire Academy class a year; usually starting in the late winter. Most classes are held at the fire station; however, two of the classes are held off site. One class is for automobile extrication; and yes, you do get to cut up a car with the Jaws of Life. The other class is for the live firefighting training. Please call the Fire Marshal’s office for more information.

9. Is it true that fire trucks and ambulances can change traffic lights from red to green?

Yes; our emergency vehicles are equipped with devices that can change a traffic light from red to green. This equipment is used during emergency calls to improve our response time to the scene.

10. Does the city have outdoor warning sirens?

Roanoke has six outdoor sirens placed strategically throughout the city.

11. Are the outdoor warning sirens tested to ensure they will work when needed?

Yes; the outdoor warning sirens are tested the first Wednesday of every month at 2:00 p.m. They will not be tested if there is low cloud overcast.

12. I am a diabetic and have to use syringes daily for medication administration. May I bring my used syringes to the fire station for disposal?

Sorry, but no.  We cannot accept used syringes or other medical waste at the fire station.

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1. Where can I find a list of phone numbers for departments in the city?

You can find a list of phone numbers by clicking the link below.
Contact Us

2. Where can I find information about City of Roanoke events?

Information about upcoming events can be found on our city calendar.
City of Roanoke Calendar

3. Can I pay my utility bill online?

Utility bills can be paid online using the link below.
Pay Utility Bills Online

4. Where can I find employment information?

Employment information, as well as job openings, are found on the City of Roanoke careers page. You can access this page through the link below.
City of Roanoke Employment Information

5. Does the City of Roanoke have bulk trash pickup?

The City of Roanoke does offer bulk trash pickup on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month.

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.