County-wide electronic notification system unveiled
10/8/2013A county-wide notification system that allows people to receive electronic messages on information ranging from Amber alerts to tornado warnings was announced today by local officials.
Carol Contrada, president of the Lucas County commissioners, said "Lucas County Alerts" is being offered at no charge, giving the public the opportunity to receive text and email alerts on computers and cell phones about emergencies and other information.
"It is free to the public and it is a great opportunity to get those emergency alerts," she said.
Anyone desiring to get notification on alerts can sign up by entering their names, phone numbers, and email addresses at www.lucascountyalerts.com.
In addition to Lucas County, the cities of Toledo and Oregon, the village of Whitehouse, and Monclova Township are partnering in the system.
The alerts are meant to supplement other ways of finding out about emergencies and catch people’s attention if they’re away from a TV or radio.
The system allows the communities to post alerts on information, including, but not limited to, Amber alerts, tornado watches and warnings, road closures, snow emergencies, and leaf and trash collections.
"Being a former fire chief and state fire marshal, the idea to get alerts and information out to residents is fairly important," said Toledo Mayor Mike Bell.
Contact Mark Reiter at: markreiter@theblade.com or 419-724-6199.