We are all probably familiar with the Emergency Broadcast System. It was developed back in 1963 and like the Outer Limits "took over" your television and radio...remember, that loud beeping noise interrupting your regular programming when the system was tested?
Well, things have changed over time. Today's systems are much more sophisticated and can reach you virtually anywhere via any device and method you choose - sometimes, whether you've signed up or not. For example, your cell phone likely has what are termed "Government Alerts" within its settings that provide you notification of AMBER Alerts and Emergency Alerts. These alerts are reserved for specific circumstances, but you can sign-up for community based alerts through your local office of emergency preparedness, public safety office, or city/town website.
For Atherton, you can visit the Town's Notify Me section of the website and sign-up for News Flashes as well as Alerts from the Atherton Police Department and Public Works Department. Atherton will use both News Flashes and Alerts to provide up to date information for on-going incidents in the community. Most recently, the News Flashes were used to provide more than 1,000 registrants with information about road closures due to fatality incidents in Town. Sign-up for select Alerts and Notifications via Notify Me.
In addition to Atherton, you can sign-up for alerts from Redwood City, Menlo Park, and San Mateo County Emergency Operations.
SMC Alert is an alert notification system used to immediately contact you during urgent or emergency situations with useful information and updates by sending text messages to your email account, cell phone, page, or smart phone. SMC Alert is provided through the San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services. You can sign-up via the SMC Alert Info Website.
Redwood City provides similar notifications to the Town of Atherton. You can sign up for email newsletters and other alerts via their Follow Us webpage. Nixle is a community information system that provides information related through local police agencies. The Atherton Police Department will soon be using Nixle as well.
Menlo Park offers similar sign-up opportunities. You can sign up for Emergency Notifications through the Menlo Park Emergency Notification webpage.
A number of agencies are also using Social Media, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others. Atherton will soon be using Facebook and Twitter. Notifications posted on the Town's website will automatically be replicated via Facebook and Twitter. Hashtags will be used to code particular feeds to their interest areas.
Sign-up for Atherton and more today....and watch for us debuting soon on social media!
Regards,
George Rodericks
City Manager