Boston Launching New Text, Email Emergency Alert System

The city's Office of Emergency Management is making big changes to the AlertBoston emergency notification system, introducing alerts via phone, text, or email in four languages.

That means severe weather warnings, parking ban announcements, and street closure information will now be transmitted in English, Spanish, French and Chinese (Hong Kong dialect). They'll also now target impacted areas, pushing out notifications citywide or simply to the relevant neighborhood as needed.

According to a press release, the system upgrades reflect feedback from residents. Company CodeRED provides the alert system, and offers a free mobile alert app that can also be used by visitors.

You can enroll in AlertBoston or learn more here. Note: Even if you don't sign up, you might still get alerts on your landline number (if it's publicly listed).