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Monroe County EMA Alerting Residents

If there is an emergency in Monroe County, residents can find out about it instantly through a text message once they sign up. It’s a new program that all...

If there is an emergency in Monroe County, residents can find out about it instantly through a text message once they sign up.

It's a new program that allows county officials to spread the word about emergencies.

"It's an automated system that allows us to alert our residents in the community for severe weather warnings, traffic incidents on the interstate that will close them down, or any one of our highways," said Guy Miller, Monroe County Emergency Management Director.

Residents will also be alerted about other information such as shelter locations or where people can pick up food.

The program is funded by a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

The mission is to ensure everyone's safety within the county line.

"I think it's an excellent idea to have the county be able to notify you of traffic tie-ups or other emergencies in the area because maybe you can avoid that area," said Ian Foster of Delaware Water Gap.

"It's a great idea. You know up front if there's a problem and you're not looking to watch the news to get the information. You're getting the information before the news gets it. I think it's a great idea," said Jim Honochick of Cherry Valley.

"Disasters like Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, or you have a tornado.  Once it goes through we can give you a warning early on about it and to prepare," said Miller.

You don't have to live in Monroe County to sign up.  You will also need an e-mail address, but if you don't have one, the program will create one for you so you can start receiving text alerts.

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