HAGERSTOWN – Residents of Washington County now have a new cutting-edge tool to stay informed during emergencies with the introduction of WashCoMD Alerts, a cutting-edge notification system powered by Smart911.
The county’s Office of Emergency Management announced the new system is replacing an outdated platform known as Everbridge. This upgrade promises faster, more reliable communication to keep the community safe, officials said.
County Director of Emergency Management and Communications Alan Matheny said the system is a “significant step forward for our community,” that “allows us to deliver accurate, real-time information directly to residents, ensuring they have what they need to respond quickly in an emergency.”
WashCoMD Alerts delivers real-time updates on critical events, including severe weather, infrastructure outages, major traffic disruptions, evacuations, major crime incidents, missing persons, and more. Participating residents will receive timely information via text, email, or phone, helping them stay prepared and safe, Matheny said.
Everbridge users can expect their contact information to automatically transfer to the new system, but email alerts require user confirmation. A verification email with a link will be sent to confirm account ownership and opt-in preferences. Residents not yet enrolled can sign up by texting “WashCoMD” to 226787 or visiting the registration page at Smart911’s website. The process is free and user-friendly.
The system’s integration with Smart911 allows users to create a free safety profile that allows residents to share vital information like medical conditions, home addresses, and emergency contacts with 9-1-1 and first responders, ensuring faster and more effective assistance during crises.
The household safety profile includes any information they would want 9-1-1 to have in the event of an emergency. If anyone in that household dials 9-1-1, the profile is displayed in real time to the 9-1-1 emergency dispatcher, who will use any relevant information to ensure an optimal response to the proper location.
With adoption of WashCoMD Alerts, the county is leveraging the latest technology to enhance public safety by helping residents stay informed and prepared in the event of any type of emergency situation.
