York Daily Record/ Sunday News
The state has launched AlertPA, an emergency notification system that helps to provide Pennsylvanians with timely information during an urgent situation.
"When emergencies, severe weather, and other life and health threatening incidents occur, Pennsylvanians can be among the first to know by signing up for AlertPA," Gov. Ed Rendell stated in a news release.
AlertPA helps officials quickly send emergency text and e-mail alerts, and other important notifications, to users to assist them in making informed decisions.
People can register for it by going to www.pa.gov and clicking on Alerts & Advisories. Users can choose the method of notification -- pager, text or e-mail -- and select what type of information they would like to receive.
Some of the situations requiring an alert might involve toxic chemicals, nuclear power plants, failure of large dams and other urgent matters. Other types of alerts include weather, warnings, public health notifications, airport delays, consumer product recalls, prison notifications and more.
In an effort to reach as many people as possible during a prison emergency, the Department of Corrections is enhancing its notification system by using AlertPA.
The AlertPA Web site contains a "Frequently Asked Questions" page and a section outlining terms of services.
