(@LACo_FD is the first local agency to offer Twitter Alerts)
Twitter rolled out its "Alert" system in late 2013 and it is now available for some public safety and government organizations in the US. Locally, the Los Angeles County Fire Department is a participating agency and the first local profile to offer Twitter Alerts. You can find a list of participating organizations on the Twitter Alert page.
Twitter Alerts are either text or push notifications you subscribe to from the selected agency or organization. The option to subscribe is as easy as tapping the "bell" icon on the profile page for the participating agency. Once you tap the bell icon, you will be prompted to OK (photo below) your selection for emergency alerts from the agency. When you approve your selection, the bell icon will turn orange. A pretty simple act to help keep yourself better informed in the event of an emergency or disaster. This is a great addition for instant emergency communication, especially if conventional means of notification are not in service. The Twitter Alert feature is available on iOS and Android phones.
Keep an eye on public safety and other relevant organization profiles as this feature is rolled out to additional parties.
(FEMA is a participating Federal organization)
Twitter Alerts are not the same as the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) from FEMA. For information on the WEA program, please visit our APD Blog Post on the topic, Weekly Tip - Wireless Emergency Alerts.
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