The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be testing emergency alert systems that can send messages to phones, televisions and radios nationwide. The tests will be conducted on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, beginning at 2:18 p.m. ET. Cell phone users will receive a message with a header that reads “Presidential Alert” and text that says: THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed. The test will last about one minute. Users cannot opt out of receiving the emergency alerts. For more information about the test, please visit FEMA’s website.
The National Weather Service will begin to initiate new Threat Categories of “Destructive” and “Considerable” Damage Threats for Severe Thunderstorm Warnings that trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts on Mobile Phones. These new categories will begin on August 2nd. Please see the following link to the National Weather Service’s website for further information: https://www.weather.gov/news/072221-svr-wea
Newton Police Chief Mike Richards is pleased to announce that the department’s 9-1-1 Communications Center is now equipped with an enhancement to its 9-1-1 system which gives emergency responders key lifesaving information about 9-1-1 callers during an emergency and provides highly accurate caller location data using the best available smartphone technology. The newly implemented Smart911 software allows anyone to create a safety profile for their whole household that includes any information they might want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency, such as allergy information or pre-existing medical conditions. While creating their safety profile, users can also opt-in to receive emergency alerts via phone call, […]
This Wednesday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be testing emergency alert systems that can send messages to phones, televisions and radios nationwide. The tests will be conducted on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, beginning at 2:18 p.m. EDT and had been postponed from their original date due to ongoing response efforts to Hurricane Florence. Cell phone users will receive a message with a header that reads “Presidential Alert” and text that says: THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed. The test will last about one minute. Users cannot opt out of receiving the emergency alerts. For more information about the test, please […]
Following the horrific events that occurred last week at Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, we encourage Newton residents to read the following blog post by Newton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. G. Kennedy Greene regarding school safety and security in Newton. Click the below link to continue. School safety and security is our top priority by Dr. G. Kennedy Greene, Newton Public Schools Superintendent
What will you do if disaster strikes? Are you prepared? Here are three easy steps to start preparing: Get a Kit Learn the essential supplies to put in your family’s first aid and survival kits Make a Plan Plan effectively for you and your family in case of an emergency. Stay Informed Understand which disasters are likely in your area and what you must know to stay safe. Watch the below video from the American Red Cross for more information.
