City Launches 'Arcadia Alert' Emergency Notification System

The "Arcadia Alert" emergency notification system went live this week, allowing residents to sign up for text, email and voicemail updates from the city whenever the next disaster strikes.

The devastating windstorm in 2011 exposed the need for a comprehensive alert system that Arcadia can use to send out emergency information in real time, city special projects manager Linda Garcia said.

"We really saw a need and wanted a method to be able to push information out to the community," Garcia told Patch.

Residents can sign up to receive alerts on the city website by entering their name and email address. Citizens can also register their cell phone numbers and landlines to receive alerts and use an app called Blackboard MyConnect to monitor alert settings.

"The City will send messages to you primarily in crisis situations, such as fire, earthquake, severe weather, or other similar local emergencies," the Arcadia Alert website states. "Messages may include safety alerts and directions on what to do, shelter locations, and evacuation orders."

Garcia likened the system to the reverse 9-1-1 system or Nixle except it will be used by the city at large instead of just the police department.

"The purpose of it is to give Arcadia residents a chance to receive timely information from the city, primarily in the event of an emergency," Garcia said.