Social media plays a part in new Alberta emergency Alert

By MorinvilleNews.com Staff

Edmonton – Albertans now have more ways to receive potentially life-saving information. The province announced Tuesday the new Alberta Emergency Alert system uses the latest in digital technology, social media and a dedicated website to make information available to Albertans.

The new system began to be phased in June 28 with training on the new system. There are presently more than 650 people from approximately 200 communities and organizations trained on the system as well as 36 media distributors using the new system to broadcast alerts.

A public education campaign began Aug. 1 to encourage Albertans to visit the new website and join the Facebook and Twitter pages. Program implementation will continue throughout the remainder of August and September with the first province-wide test of the new system is scheduled for mid-September.

“This system depends on partnerships to help get life-saving information to Albertans,” said Hector Goudreau, Alberta’s minister of Municipal Affairs in a release Tuesday. “Government has developed this enhanced alert system as one tool for communities and organizations to use as part of their local emergency preparedness plan.”

The new Alberta Emergency Alert includes a broader range of alerts with information alerts issued through social media channels and the website to make Albertans aware of a hazard. Critical alerts are issued using these media but are also broadcast on radio and television in the event of imminent life-threatening danger.

The first alerts on the new system were broadcast on July 7. Since the new Alberta Emergency Alert was implemented, 11 critical and information alerts have been issued throughout the province. To check for current alerts or to receive alerts through social media or other applications visit: www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca

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