Earlier this month the County launched a new emergency communication system to replace Reverse 911. The new system allows you to be alerted on your cell phone (voice or text), home phone or by email. Once you register you can add locations such as your home, work address or your child’s school address to receive emergency or community alerts, such as road work, specific to those locations.

You can register to receive notifications at www.vcalert.org. Below are links to a brochure and a Frequently Asked Questions for your information. It’s easy and takes just a few minutes.

As we start the New Year, it’s a good idea to refresh your disaster preparedness plans at home and at the office. This new notification system is a great way to stay informed on what is happening when a disaster or other incident is happening nearby. Have all family members and employees register.