Seward County has changed its emergency alert system, and residents will need to opt in to the new system in order to receive the alerts.
“Seward County is committed to alerting you when emergencies occur, and to providing real-time information to help keep you informed so you can stay safe,” Emergency Management Director Gary Petersen said.
The new system, Everbridge, will replace the Nixle Wire system.
Those who were previously signed up to receive Seward County alerts through Nixle will have to re-register for Everbridge.
Petersen said some landline and cell phone numbers have already been uploaded into the system through the Everbridge Resident Connection program.
“If you receive a call, you may opt out by following the directions in the call. If you receive a text and would like to opt out, simply respond STOP to the text,” he said.
However, opting into the alerts can help in an emergency situation, including weather-related warnings.
“By signing up and providing key contact information, we will be able to push emergency alerts and information out to you when it counts,” Petersen said. “We understand your personal information is private and will keep it strictly confidential. It is important that you keep your contact information updated so we can reach you.”
Signing up for the alerts is free, but text messaging fees from a cellular carrier may apply.
To opt IN
To sign up online, go to www.sewardcountyne.gov/emergencymanagement or www.sewardcountyne.gov/sheriff.
Scroll down to Quick Links and click on Emergency Alerts.
Create a profile to indicate how you would like to be notified.
“The more information you include, the better we will be able to provide you with alerts and information that affects you,” Petersen said.
Users can select the kinds of notifications they wish to receive and can change their preferences at any time by logging back in.
Users can also text their zip code to 888777 to sign up.
To opt OUT
To stop receiving alerts on specific devices, remove the contact information from your Everbridge profile. If you remove all contact information, you will no longer receive any alerts.
If you wish to delete your account, log into your profile, and choose “Delete My Account” under “My Profile.”
