UPCOMING EVENTS

In times of emergencies, we need to get information to our citizens as quickly as possible so you may take appropriate actions to prevent or mitigate personal injury and property damage.  Over the past few years, Madison County has experienced floods, tornados, severe thunderstorms, damaging wind storms, and crippling winter weather.  Though we have easily communicated dangerous conditions to our first responders, the 9-1-1 Center now has the capability to broadcast this information to the public.  Our emergency alert system will automatically pass along weather alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to your telephones and other devices.

There will be situations when the public can assist us.  Sharing information such as Amber alerts, missing and lost persons, and crime alerts with our citizens will boost public awareness and aid in resolving issues by putting thousands of eyes and ears on a situation instead of involving only our first responders.  Notifying motorists of temporary road closures and road hazards will allow them to make informed decisions about choosing alternate routes to avoid delays.  If your child is involved in activities sponsored by the Madison County Recreation Department, you can choose to receive notifications of “rain-outs” or event re-locations or cancellations.

There are a few things about this system we want you to know.....

·         Any contact information you provide us will remain protected and confidential.

·         Though this SERVICE is free for all Madison County residents, your cellular provider may charge for in-coming text and voice alerts depending upon your current plan.  Alerts received on pre-paid cell phones will subtract available minutes.

·         We can send alerts to all county residents or only to those in a specific geographical region.  For instance, if we’re looking for a lost child in the Harrison community, we most likely wouldn’t notify residents in Hull.

·         The system will only be activated in an emergency situation where there is a significant risk of harm, an urgent threat, or when a general notification is needed.   In addition, we will conduct a short system test once each month which may include all subscribers one month and only a portion (geographical region) the next month.

·         Subscribers will receive a notification on each device they register with us.  An automated system will call land-line and cell phones at the same time e-mails and text messages are being broadcast, so you could receive multiple alerts.  That’s OK with us if it’s OK with you.  In times of emergencies, we’d rather you get multiple notifications than none at all!

·         When you receive alerts, the caller ID number appearing on your phone will be 706-225-2509.  We recommend you add this number to your contacts list and name it “MC Alerts” or something similar so you’ll easily recognize it.  If you didn’t understand or hear all of the message, you can re-dial the caller ID number or text “MSG” to the number to receive it again.  In addition, the 9-1-1 Center can keep you updated whenever you wish regarding certain alerts and conditions.  Our Citizen Alert Update number is 1-866-856-2341.  This is a toll free number and you may call it at any time to hear alert updates and revisions.

·         This system is not intended, nor should you rely solely upon it, to be your primary source for emergency alerts.  You need to be aware of things happening around you and keep yourself informed by all measures available to you.  We can make no guarantee that every person will receive an alert in every situation since phone lines may be down, cell phones may be turned off, Internet access may be interrupted, etc.  The emergency alert system, even when functioning at peak performance, should only be regarded as a supplemental means of notification.  All Madison County residents are encouraged to monitor local television and radio stations, to purchase a NOAA weather radio, and always be aware of their surroundings and weather conditions.