New Emergency Alert System Launches Soon In Napa County: What To Know

NAPA COUNTY, CA — The Napa County Office of Emergency Services is transitioning to a new, more robust countywide notification system called Alert Napa County as it works to ensure residents are safe and informed.

Alert Napa County is set to launch April 15 and is the enhanced platform from the current Nixle system, county officials said Tuesday in a news release. Community members are encouraged to sign up ahead of the launch by going to Readynapacounty.org.

Through Alert Napa County, subscribers will get notifications with critical and time-sensitive information for a variety of situations, such as severe weather, public health advisories and life-threatening incidents like wildfires and evacuations.

"Timely alerts are a critical component during emergencies," said Belia Ramos, chair of the Napa County Board of Supervisors. "Accurate information enables our residents to make informed decisions for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. By signing up for Alert Napa County, our residents can stay updated and informed."

The transition to Alert Napa County allows subscribers to get location-based alerts specific to one or more areas of concern, such as their home and/or business.

In addition to the Napa County Office of Emergency Services, the cities of Napa, American Canyon, Calistoga and St. Helena, as well as the Town of Yountville, will also use Alert Napa County to issue emergency alerts.

A countywide mass notification test is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. Monday, April 10.

How To Sign Up For Alert Napa County

There are two ways to sign up for Alert Napa County notifications: 1) create a member account (see instructions below) or 2) text the preferred ZIP code to 888777. By creating a member account, subscribers can make specific selections for the alerts they would like to receive (a city, town, ZIP code, address, etc.). In addition, subscribers can customize how they receive the alerts — through the Alert Napa County powered by Everbridge app, or by text, landline, email, teletypewriter (TTY) or telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD).

To sign up for an Alert Napa County account:

• By smartphone: Install Alert Napa County powered by Everbridge by downloading the “Everbridge Mobile App” via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. When prompted, click “Find an organization or subscription” and type in “Napa County.” Then select the organization “Alert Napa County.” Create a login and then follow the steps to customize your selections.
• On the internet: Navigate to Readynapacounty.org. Create a login, then follow the steps to select specific, location-based notifications. Existing Nixle users are automatically entered into the Alert Napa County system and will continue to receive ZIP code-based alerts. For more Frequently Asked Questions, visit this page.