Brunswick announces new emergency notification system

BRUNSWICK — The city is encouraging residents and those who work within the city to sign up for alerts from the new emergency notification system. Brunswick is now working with Hyper-Reach to provide emergency notifications. Alerts can be sent out if there is severe weather, water main breaks, a missing person, road closures, law enforcement emergencies or hazardous material spills along with other types of emergencies. The system sends messages through phone calls, texts, emails and a teletypewriter service for the hearing impaired. Alerts are simultaneously sent through social media and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Wireless Emergency Alert system. Notifications will only go to residents who are directly affected by a particular event unless there is a citywide emergency. Residents and people who work in Brunswick are encouraged to enroll in the new system by: Calling or texting "Alert" to (330) 460-0430. Visiting tinyurl.com/3jeuam6j. Those who are enrolled can also receive emergency alerts in the following ways: Via Alexa-enabled smart speakers by saying "Alexa, enable Hyper-Reach" and following the instructions provided by Alexa. Using Hyper-Reach Anywhere, which is a free smartphone app that allows users to manage and monitor alerts for their home, office or other addresses. On most web browsers by clicking "Allow" on the pop-up at the top left corner when visiting tinyurl.com/3jeuam6j. At the Jan. 26 Brunswick City Council meeting, City Manager Carl DeForest said the city left the CodeRED emergency notification system because of a price increase. Hyper-Reach is paid for by the city of Brunswick. Some accounts have been transferred from the CodeRed system, and more are anticipated to carry over in the coming weeks. The city sent out a message at noon Tuesday to notify active accounts of the new service. For more information on Hyper-Reach, visit brunswick.oh.us.