Charleston County Government reminds citizens of a program that was first introduced in 2008 called Alert Charleston County. The program allows the public to receive phone and text message notifications about emergency situations, such as a chemical spill, an escaped convict, a missing person or a hurricane evacuation order. When notified, citizens will hear a message that gives details on the emergency and includes instructions on any actions they should take.

However, the County needs citizens’ help to have an up-to-date call list. During an emergency, authorities already have the ability to dial every listed landline phone number within the area affected. But if residents have an unlisted landline, cell phone or broadband phone number, they must register their number online with the Alert Charleston County program in order to receive the emergency voice or text message.

“When we originally launched the program we received a good response from the public. However, registrations have been on the decline recently,” said Jason Patno, director of the Charleston County Emergency Management Department. “We would like to remind people to take action and go online to register to receive essential emergency information. The short time it takes to do so could keep them safe during an emergency.”

• Register at http://alert.charlestoncounty.org. If you have difficulties registering, click on the frequently asked questions link. If you still need further assistance, contact Alert Charleston County staff at alert@charlestoncounty.org or (843) 202-6599.

The public can also receive emergency information issued by the County using Twitter and Facebook:

• Twitter: www.twitter.com/ChasCountyGov. For real-time emergency information, the public can follow “ChasCountyGov” on Twitter, increasing the accuracy and timeliness of critical information like evacuation orders and shelter information.
• County Emergency Management Department’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Charleston-SC/Charleston-County-Emergency-Management-Department/129515637090771. Become fans of the County’s Emergency Management Department on Facebook to be notified of current preparedness information, trainings and events.
• The Twitter and Facebook links can also be accessed directly from the County’s home page at www.charlestoncounty.org.

“With the various social media tools available, citizens can receive emergency information the minute it’s released, directly from County officials,” Patno said. “It’s another step in empowering the public to be prepared, get information first-hand, and take action during an emergency. But the best time to do so is now, before an emergency occurs.”

For all Charleston County Government news and information, visit the County’s Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org.