BellNet
a service provided by the BCVWFD
Introducing BellNet, Bell Canyon’s own emergency communication service that delivers emergency information to your smartphone in real-time, and Bell Canyon Alerts, its companion smartphone app, DELIVERING ALERTS EVEN WHEN LOCAL POWER, INTERNET, WiFi, OR CELL SERVICE IS UNAVAILABLE.
WHAT IS BELLNET & THE BELL CANYON ALERTS APP?
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The Bell Canyon Alerts App sends emergency information in case of a disaster, even if Bell Canyon is cut off from LA and VC Emergency services, that:
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Delivers Critical Notifications, Push Notifications, SMS, Email, Voice Calling alerts, and (soon) optional Amber Alert™-like notifications,
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Using a resilient mesh network of small BellNet transceivers that works even if our power, Internet, or cell service is cut off.
FEATURES AND CAPABILITIES
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The iOS app is available now, and the Android app should be approved by Google in two weeks.
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There are multiple notification “topics” (channels) you can subscribe to, and we will be very vigilant to only send emergency notifications when absolutely necessary.
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BCVWFD firefighters, CERT team members, and other first responders have access to additional BellNet capabilities including real-time emergency information and situational awareness feeds.
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Leveraging our extensive professional contacts, we are in already touch with a few organizations regarding integrating their terrestrial, air, and space-based sensor systems plus some world-class AI into the app, truly affording you the earliest possible fire and earthquake notifications possible.
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BellNet is very resilient, self-healing, and virtually immune to interference. It was designed to operate without electrical service even under the most adverse and prolonged disaster scenarios. Longer term residents will remember that the cellular towers and cable Internet lines burned in the Woolsey fire, and are just as likely to be out of commission in the next major fire or earthquake.
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Opt-in Amber Alert™-like notifications, even when your phone is silenced.
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BellNet will NEVER collect private information without permission.
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BellNet is secure, meeting or exceeding the most stringent standards.
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Bell Canyon will never be asked for in-app purchases, subscriptions, or trial periods. The app is, and always will be, free.
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Additional features will update on the app automatically.
WHO BUILT BELLNET & THE BELL CANYON ALERTS APP? A group of Bell Canyon residents, concerned about safety, and upset about the HOA’s illegal harassment of the BCVWFD reached out and asked how they could help. We decided to work together to design and build a secure and reliable emergency community communication system, specifically for Bell Canyon's unique needs. While we would like to thank them publicly, they chose to remain anonymous, mostly out of desire to avoid personal attacks that are unfortunately now common in our once-peaceful community. These qualified resident volunteers have extensive aerospace, military, security, privacy, scientific, and IT communication and networking experience. They have designed, built, deployed and operated some of the most cutting-edge technology in the world. Their backgrounds and expertise are recognized in numerous fields, including computer communication, cybersecurity, AI, networks, engineering, tactical communications, and personal security. The work they’ve done for our nation and our military is now being put to use to keep you safe and secure.
HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST US? BellNet was engineered by BC volunteers who do this professionally. The hardware cost for transceivers will be paid for by donations to the BCVWFD. The engineering and software development was already donated to the BCVWFD. The BCVWFD will operate BellNet at no cost to Bell Canyon or Bell Canyon Residents.
WILL IT INTERFERE WITH OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS? Not at all. BellNet integrates with the same emergency response data networks that our local sister first responder agencies use, allowing BCVWFD personnel access to REAL-TIME EMERGENCY INFORMATION NOT AVAILABLE TO CIVILIANS, thus facilitating better cooperation and empowering us to provide higher levels of service to BC residents.
WILL IT INTERFERE WITH OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS? Not at all. BellNet integrates with the same emergency response data networks that our local sister first responder agencies use, allowing BCVWFD personnel access to REAL-TIME EMERGENCY INFORMATION NOT AVAILABLE TO CIVILIANS, thus facilitating better cooperation and empowering us to provide higher levels of service to BC residents.
HOW CAN I HELP WITH TRANSCIEVERS?
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Please get in touch with the BCVWFD at BellNet@bcvwfd.org if you are willing to have a BellNet transceiver on your property, or if you would like to donate to cover some of the hardware cost of these systems.
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This entire system will be hosted by volunteers and neighbors, and more transceivers will mean a safer Bell Canyon for everyone. Letting us borrow a tiny bit of your backyard can help make Bell Canyon a better and safer place for all of us.
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More transceivers mean more coverage. We will use AI and topographical analysis to optimize transceiver locations.
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Transceivers are small and use standard radio frequencies at power levels approved for residential environments. They are standalone, weather-proof, and secure. They are not fixed in place, so if you change your mind, they are easily relocated.
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WILL THE TRANCEIVERS HELP WITH MY HOME CELL SERVICE?
Sorry, the transceivers will be used ONLY to carry emergency information.
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DOES BELLNET NEED PERMISSION OR A LICENSE TO OPERATE?
No, BellNet is based on commercially-available equipment, uses license-free radio frequencies allocated by the Federal Government for these purposes and operates at power levels approved for civilian applications in residential environments. BellNet transceivers will be set up on private property and will be operated by the BCVWFD.
