New emergency alert system in Shasta County will help warn rural areas

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — It’s wildfire season so that means it’s time to make sure you know how to be informed during an emergency, and Shasta County just announced the installment of a new system called ALERT FM and this is the first year the system is active.

ALERT FM receives mass notifications in the instances of an emergency. emergency dispatchers will alert the system and send a message to the device along with flashing lights and a digital message.

It is powered by a battery and works off of FM signals so this is a great tool for those living in rural communities with limited internet or cell phone signal.

Tim Mapes, the public information officer for Shasta County Sheriff’s office, said this is a great addition to the tool belt of residents to make sure they are prepared in an emergency.

“If you’re living in one of those areas, hopefully, if you are signed up for code red which we want people to still do," Mapes said. "You will still get emergency alert system notifications and also deputies would also go door to door. If you are signed up for all of those and have ALERT FM in times of crisis, hopefully, you are going to get that message sooner rather than later.”

To get your ALERT FM you can order it through the company and have one shipped to you.

Again, the sheriff's department still wants you to be signed up for the emergency alert system, have a go bag, and have a plan to make sure you and your family are safe this fire season.

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