Residents of Wisconsin's Eau Claire County can now access a new weather alert system that will let them know when dangerous weather is approaching.
The Smart911 emergency alert system, linked to the National Weather Service, will push alerts to a user's phone or e-mail. Tyler Esh, the county's emergency management coordinator, said it could help fill in the gaps when people don't hear outdoor sirens and don't have a TV or radio turned on.
Esh said the system allows the county to craft its own messages to push, meaning that law enforcement could use it to notify the public about a search for a missing person, for example. He said the system would be useful if Eau Claire ever faces a situation like the recent public emergency in Superior, where a refinery explosion forced evacuations in April.
Otherwise, the messages will copy alerts from the Weather Service.
The system cost $14,000 with host Rave Mobile Safety. After the first year, it will cost $12,000 annually to maintain.
Since the program launched in Eau Claire in March, more than 350 users have signed up. To link your phone or e-mail, go to Smart911.com. EAU CLAIRE LEADER-TELEGRAM
