By David Tirrell-Wysocki, Associated Press Writer
CONCORD, N.H. --If this service had been available in 1775, Paul Revere might not have had to make his famous ride. He could have had the constabulary pick up their Colonial telephones, record "The Regulars are coming!" and push a button.
It's called Reverse 911, and more and more New Hampshire communities are using it to warn residents of everything from fugitives on the loose to potential flooding or missing children.
"The uses are only limited by the creativity of the people using it," said Derry Fire Lt. Brett Scholbe.
Instead of making individual telephone calls or using a bullhorn or public address speaker to warn of danger, a dispatcher records a short message, tells a computer who needs to hear it and sends it on its way.
The system, which is growing in popularity nationwide, can make hundreds of calls an hour, directed to specific neighborhoods, downtown businesses, specified groups of people such as emergency responders or an entire community.