YORKTOWN— York County announced it has launched its new emergency notification system, Rave Alert.
According to the county, this platform uses state-of-the-art technology to allow county officials to provide timely, accurate information directly to residents during emergencies. York County encourages all residents to register for the program to be sure they will receive critical information.
“Rave Alert replaces our current system, York Alert, and utilizes cutting-edge technology that significantly enhances our emergency response capabilities,” said York-Poquoson Sheriff Ron Montgomery.
Rave Alert is designed to enhance public safety by delivering real-time alerts and notifications through multiple channels, including text messages, emails, voice calls, and mobile app notifications on a variety of situations, such as severe weather, public safety threats, and important community updates.
Registration is free and open now, according to Fire Chief Steve Kopczynski. “York County citizens who are existing users of York Alert may wish to re-register with Rave Alert. Although their information will be automatically transferred over to Rave Alert, the new platform allows for additional information on the citizen’s profile that will allow for optimal use.”
The co8unty noted another key aspect of the Rave Alert platform is the Smart911 app, which can be used to receive the notifications being sent by the county and can also store important health data that can be shared with the County’s Emergency Communications department when assistance is needed.
“Currently, when you dial 9-1-1, the information received by our call center can be limited,” said D. Terry Hall, Director of the Peninsula Regional Emergency Communications Center, formerly York-Poquoson-Williamsburg Emergency Communications. “With the new Smart911 app, anytime you make an emergency call from a phone registered with your profile, the system’s recognition kicks in, and your information is automatically displayed on the screen for the emergency telecommunicator receiving your call. Every second counts, and having this information quickly may end up saving lives.”
Key benefits of the Rave Alert system include:
- Instant Notifications
- Localized Messaging
- Multi-Channel Delivery
- User-Friendly Enrollment
The county said a video providing information about the new platform and its benefits will soon be posted online and on social media pages (facebook.com/yorkcountyva, facebook.com/YorkPoquosonSheriff, and facebook.com/yorkcountyfire).
Residents can enroll in the Rave Alert system by visiting yorkcounty.gov/ravealert or ravealertyorkcounty.com and following the registration process. During registration, citizens will be able to select their preferred contact methods and can provide essential information for accurate notifications, the county said.
For any questions or assistance with the sign-up process, residents may call the county at 757-890-4961 or send an email to ravealert@yorkcounty.gov.
