Citywide Emergency Alert Program Launches
Mayor Bloomberg has announced the citywide launch of Notify NYC, an emergency messaging system that reaches citizens by e-mail, phone and text messaging. (Sign up here)
Emergency alerts include critical information about the most severe events, such as AMBER Alerts and natural disasters. Residents can also opt-in to receive information on other significant events, such as brush fires, extended disruption of mass transit services and major utility outages. Public health notifications are also optional.
The citywide program will also offer non-emergency advisories about unscheduled suspensions of alternate side parking rules and public school closures and delays.
Participants can register to receive information for up to five zip codes using multiple e-mail addresses, phone numbers and text/SMS accounts. The minimum needed to register is an e-mail address.
The program expands citywide after a successful pilot program that launched in 2007 and operated in four initial areas – Lower Manhattan, the Northeast Bronx, the Rockaways and Southwest Staten Island. It results from a recommendation in the World Trade Center Health Panel Report, which proposed the City improve the delivery of environmental health information during emergencies.