DETROIT (WWJ) -- Detroiters have a new way to receive important information from the city, as officials on Monday announced the launch of a new alert system.
Detroit Alerts 365 is a new way to let the city’s residents know about emergency situations, including public safety advisories, severe weather warnings, evacuations and more.
Residents, business owners and those who visit or work in Detroit can sign up for the service for free, which can reach people across the city within a matter of seconds.
Detroit Fire Department Community Relations Chief James Harris says the alert system -- which is run through the CodeRED mobile alert app -- will be a “difference maker.”
“Detroit Alerts 365 will enable the city to provide residents with information about an incident, as well as vital instructions for residents, such as information regarding fire advisories, hazardous material spills, power lines down or natural disasters.”
Residents can register for the free alert service by visiting detroitmi.gov/DHSEM and clicking on the Detroit Alerts 365 icon or by texting "DetroitAlerts365" to 99411.
Residents can choose to receive alerts via cell phone, landline, text message, email, or even through social media.
Art Thompson, Detroit's Chief Information Officer, tells WWJ residents won’t be overwhelmed by an influx of alerts.
“A key benefit of this is going to be the ability to leverage GIS (graphic information system) to do geofencing and really target who gets notifications,” Thompson says, “making sure this does not become a situation where you’re drowning in messages that may not apply to you.”
Geofencing is technology that allows officials to virtually target specific geographic areas.
Messaging will be available in English, Spanish, Arabic or Bangla. Residents will be able to register with multiple Detroit addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
Individuals can also download the CodeRED mobile app and receive notifications based on their current location. This would enable residents to receive emergency alerts if they are in any area where an alert has been issued, including another area of Detroit or any area of the country where the CodeRED emergency alert system is utilized.
More information can be found at detroitalerts365.org.