FCEM&HS Launches ALERT Franklin County Mass Notification & Warning System

    Posted: 7/29/2015
    (COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security is pleased to announce the launch of a new county-wide mass notification and warning system, ALERT Franklin County. The state-of-the-art system will be used to alert residents about emergencies and other important community news in all jurisdictions within Franklin County. ALERT Franklin County enables officials to provide critical information directly to residents as emergencies happen via text message, phone (home, cell or business) and email.

    ALERT Franklin County is customizable and allows residents to choose what kind of community notifications they want to receive, how they would like to receive them and the location they want to receive them for. Text message is the fastest way to receive messages. Residents can elect to receive emergency notifications about severe weather and disasters as well as location specific information regarding crime alerts, road closures, transportation incidents, utility outages, government closings and other important community news.  

    “The new ALERT Franklin County system will keep even more families and residents safe and prepared by providing breaking news and information directly to their phones,” said Commission President Marilyn Brown. “I encourage all of our residents to log-on and sign-up for this easy-to-use service that’s now available.” 

    The system also features a short online Emergency Preparedness Survey for residents to disclose how prepared they are for an emergency or disaster. Survey results will be used by local emergency and disaster planners and first responders to align programs and resources to the right areas in our community.

    “ALERT Franklin County will enable us to reach residents in Franklin County simultaneously through many different channels and ensure everyone receives timely and accurate information,” said Michael R. Pannell, Director of Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security.  “FCEM&HS will warn the citizens of Franklin County on severe weather, dam failures, terrorism, major hazardous material incidents, major aircraft accidents, significant civil disturbance, major utility disruptions, damage producing earthquakes and other significant warnings as warranted by the Director.”

    Registering is quick and easy.  Residents can sign up online at www.alertfranklincounty.org, which can also be found on www.fcemhs.org or through their local jurisdiction’s website.