Instant Emergency Alerts

The high tech age has made so many changes to our lives. The changes have taken place in the way we communicate, socialize, work, study, are entertained, and more. However, little thought is given to how high tech has affected the way we receive emergency alerts. Traditionally emergency alerts have been issued by radio and TV. Now they can be issued in the form of emails, cell phone calls, and text messages. There are companies that specialize in sending instant emergency alerts to subscribers. People receive alerts for bad weather, traffic conditions, and impending natural disasters.

How To Get Alerts
Agencies often send emails or text messages inviting people to sign up for instant emergency alerts. Cell phone and some internet service providers offer customers instant alert service in the customers' areas. You can also go on the web and find instant emergency alert service providers.

However, before signing up with one you should do the following.

Go to the emergency management agency's website to learn about what kinds of tools they have for communicating with you.

After signing up for alert service, be sure you keep your contact information updated, especially of you have changed email addresses or cell phone numbers.

Many people look to twitter as source of information for emergency situations. However, twitter can be a sources of misinformation. I would highly recommend signing up with a credible instant alert emergency management service.

Following are a few of such providers I personally would recommend.

NIXLE, www.nixle.com
Nixle offers services to police departments, private security companies, military units, the media, and individuals. Its network is vast, spanning 50 states. Messages are sent by email, and cell phone automated calls and text messages.

CAPITALERT Washington DC Region www.capitalert.gov
For people living and working in Washington DC area this is a good alert service to be registered to. The service is free to people living in the area. It provides alerts for:
Major emergency alerts (terrorism or natural disasters)
Severe weather alerts, Severe traffic reports, Amber alerts, School closings,Government closing

Alerts are sent by:
Cell phone, PDA, like Blackberry, Pager, Email, RSS, Twitter

EMERGENCY ALERT Reverse 911 www.dialmein.com
This provider provides instant voice emergency alerts world wide in 12 countries. Alerts are for:
Colleges and universities, corporate emergencies, Government agencies, Healthcare plans, Political services, sports communication, Alerts are sent by phone.

FARMERS
Every state in the United States provide free instant emergency alerts for people living in rural areas. Contact your state government and inquire about the service.

U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT www. State.gov/.
For people traveling abroad, they should register with the state department for instant emergency alerts about:
terror alerts, locations to embassies, emergency evacuations, political uprisings and more.

You can register with the smart traveler enrollment program.

PAY ATTENTION
When you receive an alert message, do not ignore it. Open the email and read the text messages. Do not hang up on the automated call. Listen to the message. You cans save yourself and others a lot of trouble.