Hurricane Michael Tests Brookhaven Alert System

BROOKHAVEN, GA -- Although weather-related damage in Brookhaven caused by Hurricane Michael was relatively minor, it provided an opportunity for the city to utilize its new notification service. At 7:35 am on Thursday, a Brookhaven Alert notification went out to 901-subscribed users advising about downed power lines blocking Skyland Road.

“We are grateful that we didn’t get too much wind damage, and it seems that the Brookhaven Alert notification system worked exactly as it is supposed to,” said Police Chief Gary Yandura. “Brookhaven Alert allows us to communicate to the community in real time and provide critical communication as may be needed during hazardous or emergency situations.”

On September 17, the City launched Brookhaven Alert, powered by Smart911, a free service that allows individuals to sign up for notifications sent from state and local authorities via email, text or voice message on their cell phones. Brookhaven Alert keeps residents and travelers informed on potentially hazardous situations involving weather, traffic and other emergencies. Subscribers can also identify when and how they are alerted and communicated with before, during, and after emergencies. Anyone can sign up at www.brookhavenga.gov/brookhavenalert or by downloading the Smart911 app in their mobile app store.

In addition, when citizens sign up for Brookhaven Alert, they will also have the opportunity to input their information and notification preferences immediately on the secure Smart911 online system. Their information will be available to 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. Brookhaven Alert and Smart911 are private and secure and only made available to the 9-1-1 system in the event of an emergency. Users can opt in or out for non-emergency notifications.

“When authorities have information about a situation, such as a storm or emergency, they can be more effective in sending information to the public and providing appropriate assistance,” said Brookhaven Emergency Management Coordinator Paul White. “We encourage all members of our community and their families to sign up for Smart 911 and Brookhaven Alert in order to be prepared should an emergency occur.”

SEE ALSO:

• Girl Fatally Crushed By Carport During Hurricane Michael
• Hurricane Michael Hits GA: Child Killed; 320K Without Power
• Hurricane Michael: Storm Brings Down Trees In Cherokee County
• President Trump May Visit Hurricane Michael-Ravaged Georgia
• Georgia Braces For 'Monstrous' Hurricane Michael's Impact
• Delta Waives Baggage Fees, Prepares For Hurricane Michael

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Debris is strewn next to a mobile home destroyed by Hurricane Michael on October 11, 2018 in Panama City, Florida. The hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)