Benton County updates emergency alert system

BENTON COUNTY -- Benton County residents who rely on the BCAlert system for weather information, community news and other information will see new features in the system this year but only if they renew their registration with the county.

Michael DeRose, director of emergency communications, said the county contracted with a new company, Everbridge of Glendale, Calif., to provide services for BCAlert.

"It will still be known as BCAlert, but the new system will put a lot more capability into the hands of both the users of the system and the county and city leaders," DeRose said.

One feature of the new system is smartphone apps for both Apple and Android users, DeRose said. Search for "Everbridge" in the app store.

The new system will also allow users to prioritize their devices and will allow users to establish "quiet hours" on their devices.

"They will still receive tornado warnings or other life-threatening emergency messages," DeRose said.

General News on 01/14/2015