By Scott Harvey
Commerce – The City of Commerce's Immediate Response Information System (IRIS) is set to begin next month. The City implemented the program July 1, and has since been testing the service by sending out notifications via home phone, cell phone and/or email.
IRIS can be used as a communication tool to residents for notification of such instances as severe weather, tornado threats and or other emergencies. In addition, this service can be used as notification for possible utility outages, water curtailments, road closures and maintenance.
All Commerce residents who have a water bill in their name have been automatically enrolled in the program. A one-time charge of $6.00 per year will be billed to your account each September unless the City is otherwise notified.
Residents planning to use this service are asked to enter your current contact information through the IRIS website,
Residents wishing NOT to participate will need to notify City Hall and sign a waiver stating that they do not want to participate in the notification program before September 1.
Local businesses and residents living in Apartments or who do not have water accounts in their name are eligible to participate in this program as well, for the same cost. In addition, residents living on the outskirts of Commerce are also eligible. Individuals wishing to subscribe can fill out an application at City Hall.
For further information you may contact Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Harrison or Emergency Management Secretary Marty Cunningham at 903-886-1126.