DMC emergency alert system to receive an upgrade

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Burlington, IA-  Upgrades to Iowa’s emergency notification system, Alert Iowa, are making it easier for residents of Des Moines County to receive alerts about severe weather and other emergencies.

However, according to a news release from DMC Emergency Management Coordinator Gina Hardin, officials want those residents who already have Alert Iowa to know they will need to register again to experience the upgrades.

Alert Iowa is a statewide emergency notification system the county uses to send alerts to residents. Improvements to the system will enable Des Moines County officials to better communicate emergency information directly to citizens via voice calls, text messages, email, and social media. The system also now has the capability to translate messages into multiple languages.

“Alert Iowa is a great tool that allows us to push official, real-time alerts to our residents,” said Gina Hardin. “These upgrades will not only make it easier for us to notify our residents when emergencies happen or we need to share important safety information but will let residents choose the best way for them to receive alerts. Weather alerts are optional.”

Hardin said it is important to note that residents who are currently signed up to receive Alert Iowa notices will need to sign up again.

There are three ways to sign up for the upgraded Alert Iowa:

  • Create an account on the Des Moines County web portal at https://tinyurl.com/DMCSmart911
  • Text DesMoinesIA to 672-83.
  • Download the Smart911 app from the Apple or Google Play stores.

The target date for Des Moines County to have the transition to the upgraded system completed is June 30, 2021. Both systems will operate simultaneously until that date.

Follow the Des Moines County Emergency Management Agency Facebook page for updates.