Brookhaven residents get a heads up with Brookhaven Alert

Brookhaven, GA, Feb. 1, 2019 – Yesterday, a car accident at Peachtree Road and North Druid Hills blocked all lanes of traffic during afternoon traffic.  Most commuters stumbled onto the gridlock without warning, but some people got a warning text or email in advance.  They also received word when the wreckage was cleared. 

Two days before, a structure fire closed a portion of Windsor Parkway.  Again, it was a surprise to most, but many received a heads-up text which explained not only what was happening, but where and why. 

In the month of January, more than 1,200 people received notices about five separate events that could impact them, including a water main break which closed a main road and a manhunt for a criminal suspect.  How are these residents getting the word first?  They signed up for Brookhaven Alert.

Brookhaven Alert, a free service that allows individuals to sign up for notifications sent from state and local authorities, was launched in September.  The service, powered by Smart911, keeps residents and travelers informed on potentially hazardous situations involving weather, traffic, and other emergencies.

“Authorities use Brookhaven Alert to notify the community in real time,” said Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura.  “We use it for critical communication with the public so we can provide information needed to stay safe, take precautions, or take corrective action during hazardous or emergency situations.”

Brookhaven Alert users can opt in for email, text, or voice message on their cell phones. They can also identify when and how they are alerted and communicated with before, during, and after emergencies. Residents can sign up today at www.BrookhavenGA.gov/brookhavenalert or by downloading the Smart911 app in their mobile app store.

In addition, when citizens sign up for Brookhaven Alert, they will also have the opportunity to input their information and notification preferences on the secure Smart911 online system. Their information will immediately be available to 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.  Brookhaven Alert and Smart911 are private and secure, and only made available to the 9-1-1 system in the event of an emergency.  Users can opt in or out for non-emergency notifications.

“Brookhaven Alert and Smart 911 are handy tools for residents and first responders,” said Chief Yandura. “The information sent out by Brookhaven Alert, powered by Smart911, notifies residents in an emergency situation.  At the same time, the information provided to Smart 911 by residents makes first responders better informed in emergency situations.”

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