By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Humboldt, IA – Upgrades to Iowa’s emergency notification system, Alert Iowa, are making it easier for resident of Humboldt County to sign up and receive alerts about severe weather and other emergencies.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office announces they will be making the changes to the new system with the State Emergency Management Division. This change goes into effect as of July 1.
Sheriff Dean Kruger says those on the old system will not be automatically registered for the upgraded system. “Right now we have this system called ‘WENS’ and that’s going to be eliminated as of July 1, 2021.” The new system is a ‘Rave’ system.
The system is used mainly for severe weather alerts of any kind but does provide notice of other emergencies. The sheriff says citizens currently registered for the old system need to make sure they register for the new one. If they do not they will no longer receive alerts.
The benefits to using this Alert Iowa is that a user will never be unaware when weather goes bad or during other emergencies. “Well the benefits are that you will get the alerts,” says Sheriff Kruger. If someone it outside or driving somewhere they will still be able to get the alerts to allow them the ability to seek shelter.
From tornadoes to severe thunderstorms, this system will allow the registered users a chance to know and prepare.
The registration processes is pretty straight forward and does allow the user to limit what type of information they provide. “I signed up my wife and myself the other day, it’s fairly easy,” Sheriff Kruger says. It will provide a step-by-step guidance to those registering.
Users can provide information such as emergency contacts or even their pets in case they get lost. The system also allows the user to select what types of alerts they want, such as a text message or voice mail.
To register for the new Alert Iowa system, download the Smart911 app or find the link located on the Humboldt County Law Enforcement Center’s Facebook Page. The link is also available at humboldtcounty.iowa.gov.
Those with questions are encouraged to contact their local city hall or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (515)332-2471.