From a press release
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with a Las Vegas firm, AlertID, to provide residents with online or smartphone advisories about local crimes, sex offenders, severe weather and other public safety events.
“I want to invite all residents to participate,” Alameda County Sheriff Gregory Ahern said in a statement. “This is a powerful tool to help residents become more aware of crime and other threats to our community.”
Residents can join for free. Visit http://www.AlertID.com and follow the sign up procedure.
Once signed up, members can choose several locations -- homes, schools, offices, churches, parks etc. -- as the epicenter for notifications.
Alerts are sent to members’ smartphones, iPads or computers.
The Sheriff and other emergency authorities also have the ability to issue Amber Alerts and other important announcements about crime emergencies, hazmat incidents, floods, fires, and severe weather, among others.
The new county service is similar to those in use by San Leandro and Oakland police, who employ a different service, NIXLE, to provide residents direct alerts. Read more about NIXLE or learn how to sign up through this Patch article.
