| Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management (KCDEM) has launched a new “Alert and Warning” program where residents voluntarily sign up to receive information from KCDEM via an email and in emergencies by telephone or text message.
According to KCDEM director Phyllis Mann, the concept behind the program is, “Once Emergency Management has been warned, we strongly feel the public should have access to the same information.” She points out that KCDEM received excellent warnings before the windstorm last December. “That type of situation is an ideal time to use an alert and warning program. We could alert citizens of the coming windstorm and remind them what steps to take to prepare for the storm. In the event of other type disasters, earthquakes, this program provides a timely way to inform people of shelters, recovery center locations and other important information.”
In addition to alerts the program also provides important awareness information. “We can remind people to change batteries in their smoke alarms, rotate food and water in their emergency kits, participate in the state wide earthquake drill, and other information for emergency planning,” said Mann.
To sign up, visit www.kitsapdem.org. Click on the “Sign up for the Alert and Warning Program” link. Once you have completed the form online, you will be registered. |
