OSWEGO — To conclude activities during Kansas Severe Weather Awareness Week, Labette County has launched Labette Alerts, a new public service that will send emergency alerts to residents via text messaging, pagers or e-mail. Once signed up, residents can automatically receive NOAA alerts when Labette County is under a significant weather warning or watch.
Although this service is provided free from Labette County, individuals will be responsible for any standard text messaging charges that may apply, so check your individual plan to avoid charges before signing up.
Labette Alerts is part of the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS). It enables county officials to instantly communicate directly with mobile devices who have subscribed to the service. The new service will be used to send critical safety information from Labette County in the event of a real emergency.
In emergency situations, it can be difficult to get information out to a large number of people in a short amount of time. This system will be a great asset to the residents of Labette County. Because of its design, WENS can notify up to 30,000 individuals per minute and therefore making it the fastest method of communication when severe weather is approaching.
Notable catastrophes in the recent past have shown that this method is one of the most reliable forms of communication when phone networks become overloaded and the ability to make or receive voice calls is not available.
In addition to the public, the county is offering Labette Alerts to local school districts, Labette Health and EMS, government officials, fire, and law enforcement agencies throughout the county.
Other uses for the countywide program in addition to weather alerts includes, Amber Alerts, notification of siren testing, and other important notices.
Signing up for Labette Alerts is easy, and you will be added almost instantly. Visit www.labettecounty.com and click on “Emergency Alert Sign up” and enter your mobile number and/or e-mail address. You will receive a text message confirming that you have opted into the alert system to receive emergency notifications. Your registration information is private and will not be shared. For those who do not have internet access, call the Labette County Sheriff’s Department at (620) 795-2994 to sign-up.
Find out more on the web at www.labettecounty.com. If you have other questions, call (620) 795-2994.