WACO, TX — Citizens of Central Texas cities and counties can sign up to receive text and call alerts from a local emergency notification system. The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) in partnership with Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, McLennan counties and their cities are encouraging residents to sign up and receive important emergency alerts when disasters occur.
Disasters and emergency incidents can and do occur every day throughout the country. The recent tornado that struck the city of Franklin occurred without much warning. Types of notifications and alerts that are sent out include severe weather events, fires, floods, bomb threats, evacuation notices and public health threats, such as boil water notices.
The alert system gives local emergency management, public safety, and governmental jurisdictions a chance to inform the public in case of an emergency incident or public threat.
Citizens can register for phone, text and email messages and must list their physical address(s). The HOTCOG system has a database of landlines, but many citizens today use cell phones. It is important all citizens register their cell phones and addresses in the system.
Steps to learn more or register your information for the system are as follows:
· Go to http://www.hotready.com on your computer, iPad or smartphone.
· Click on the “large phone or the Emergency Notification System” icon.
· Read about the program and register by clicking on the “Register for Emergency Alerts” icon at the bottom of the page.
· Select your county from the drop down list, then click the “Continue to Registration” tab.
· IF YOU HAVE NOT REGISTERED PREVIOUSLY click on the “Sign-Up” link at the top of the page.
· Don’t forget to select the weather alerts that you wish to receive.
All contact information provided, including phone numbers are not shared or released to the public or other agencies. The Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness program of the Heart of Texas Council of Governments is an all-hazard citizen preparedness initiative working with your local agencies.
For more information about the Heart of Texas Regional Notification System you can contact your local county emergency management coordinator or the HOTCOG Emergency Preparedness Program at 254-292-1800 or e-mail ENS@hot.cog.tx.us.
