When faced with a natural disaster or major event, it’s imperative for Stearns County officials to be able to communicate key information to citizens and businesses. That’s why Stearns County implemented Everbridge, a mass notification system for citizen alerts. The notification system allows the County’s Emergency Management Department staff to communicate essential information to residents within minutes in the event of an emergency, such as severe weather (summer and winter), flooding, public health concerns, environmental issues, and public safety matters affecting the area where they live. Citizens must sign up to receive the time-sensitive emergency alerts and other critical community information.
Messages can be sent to individuals wherever they choose, such as landline phones, cell, business phone, email, text, and mobile devices. Residents can also choose to have messages sent to more than one location. This helps to ensure residents receive life-saving emergency information and important public service announcements quickly.
Currently, residents listed in the county’s 9-1-1 database receive emergency alerts through their traditional landline phone. By signing up with this system, citizens can get notifications by other methods they choose as well, such as email or cell phone.
“We have a commitment to protect our citizens from any danger that threatens their community,” said Erin Hausauer, Acting Director for Stearns County’s Emergency Management Department. “The ability to reach all residents and communicate with them quickly during an emergency in order to warn them or provide guidance is critical to upholding that commitment. We hope all citizens realize the value of this notification system and will take the time to sign up to receive what could be very important alerts.”
Sign up for the emergency alerts by providing contact information.