County's new system alerts residents

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) - People who live in Bartholomew County have a new way to be warned about severe weather or public disasters. County officials will call them.

The county joined with the city of Columbus to implement an emergency notification system.

Approximately 18,000 land line numbers have already been entered into the system through phone book listings. County officials are encouraging people to opt into the system if they have a cell phone or email address.

Bartholomew County 911 Director Ed Reuter said the system was first used to warn residents about the blizzard warning issued Dec. 25.

Reuter said the system can also be used to alert affected neighbors in the event of public emergencies like a gas leak or jail escape within minutes.

Similar systems were used to alert parents last year to the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut and to warn communities along the east coast of Hurricane Sandy.

Franklin and Morgan counties have similar notification systems.

"It's very critical," said Morgan County Emergency Management Director Jeff Neal.  He said there are 22 tornado sirens in the county, but not everyone can hear them.

"So with this emergency notification system, they'll be able to be alerted,” said Neal.

Morgan County’s cost is about $18,000 a year for the program.

Bartholomew County split the cost with the city of Columbus.

"When you think about what it really stands for and what we can do with it, it's a small price to pay if we save one life," said Reuter.

Citizens needing help with the Opt-in program in Bartholomew County may call the Citizens Alert Help line at (812) 379-1500.

Also during the week of Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, citizens may go to the Bartholomew County Emergency Operations Center, the Sheriff’s Office, the Columbus Police Department, or the Bartholomew County Library for assistance in signing up.

Assistance is also available online in Morgan County and Bartholomew County .

The Hamilton County Emergency management Agency says it’s in the process of ordering its system.