Mahomet

Mahomet, Illinois residents can now receive weather alerts and emergency messages by e-mail and text messaging. To subscribe go to http://mahometesda.org

According to Gary Crowley, Director, Mahomet Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, "this will enhance our ability to warn the public of hazardous weather and other emergencies affecting the Mahomet area."

"This system and website will help to keep our citizens informed during severe weather and other emergencies. We strongly encourage all citizens with internet access and/or cell phones to subscribe for those times they are not near a NOAA Weather Radio or within hearing distance of the tornado sirens," said Crowley. Emergency information will simultaneously be posted on the website when an alert is issued.

Weather messages from the National Weather Service are generated on a county level, so signing up with the Mahomet Zip Code will allow residents to receive all Weather Warnings affecting Champaign County, and local notices generated by Mahomet ESDA for the Village of Mahomet.

The system is a partnership between Mahomet ESDA and MyStateUSA, an Idaho based provider of Interoperability Services and Public Warning Technologies. MyStateUSA recently completed the 12-state Interoperable Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS) Pilot for FEMA, and is committed to providing technology at the local level, where emergencies occur.

"All emergencies start locally" said Claudia Bitner, President, MyStateUSA. The company works closely with local government clients, and has developed technology that allows local agencies to seamlessly activate public warning systems, and share information securely among responder agencies. "MyStateUSA has employees and business partners in the area and will develop new technologies for community based responders through this partnership," said Bitner.

To sign up, go to http://mahometesda.org and click on the Alertsense logo. The website provides emergency and disaster resource information for citizens, and a secure information-sharing platform for Mahomet ESDA members.

For more information, contact Don Barrett at Mahomet ESDA. dbarrett@mahometesda.org.

###