Alert System Can Send Voice, Text Messages, Emails to Mobile Devices

As Hurricane Irene looks likely to hit Connecticut this weekend, there are some steps area residents can take to keep abreast of the situation.

There are many communication resources available, said Adam Libros, the town’s director of emergency management and fire marshal.

One of the most effective is ctalert.gov, where residents can sign up for the Emergency Notification System that is used in emergency situations. The town, for example, can use it to notify residents of evacuations. Residents can sign up to have alerts sent via email, voice messages to home and cell phones and text messages. Devices can also be prioritized. 

The town will utilize the system if needed, Libros said.

“We’re going to use that,” he said.

One of the advantages to the system is that it can be sent to smartphones and other devices that will work without electricity, as long as the batteries last anyway.

As long as the power is on, there are other electronic resources as well. Here are just a few:

Officials said the town’s website will be updated with important information and residents can also go to the state’s Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security page, which will contain updates as well as link to other resouces as well.

The storm’s projected path can be followed through the national Hurricane Center.