State of Alabama activates new emergency notification system

FILE _ A cellular phone tower (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) – The State of Alabama has activated a new emergency notification system that will work alongside TV and radio stations to warn residents of life-threatening disasters.

In her State of the State Address earlier this year, Gov. Kay Ivey announced that $1.2 million in funding had been set aside to launch the new emergency notification system.

“As I announced in January, our new statewide notification system will ensure all Alabamians have the greatest access to warnings of disasters including flooding,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “Protecting the safety of all Alabamians, especially our children, is our top priority and this statewide flood notification system will enable families to receive more timely alerts to prepare and stay safe.”

Under the new notification system, Alabamians can get alerts about impending floods and other disasters through their cell and landline phones. These will be the same alerts as residents are receiving through their local television and radio broadcast stations.

Here’s how to sign up for the alerts:

Visit ema.alabama.gov, click on the ALalert section and complete the opt-in form.

Sign up by text message:
For emergency alerts and notifications, text ALalert to 77295.
For general preparedness information and updates, text ALinfo to 77295.

Gov. Ivey called for the alert system following a flood in Texas last year that killed 27 people, including 25 children at a Christian girls camp. Eight-year-old Sarah Marsh of Homewood was one of the victims. Investigations determined that camp leadership did not properly prepare for or warn the victims ahead of the flood.

This year, Gov. Ivey signed the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act into law, reinforcing her commitment to ensuring the safety and preparedness of Alabama’s summer camps.

The activation of the statewide notification system comes ahead of National Preparedness Month in September.