Local

Beavercreek reminds residents of new alert system ahead of storms

BEAVERCREEK — The City of Beavercreek is reminding residents of a new emergency alert system ahead of storms that are in the forecast for the Miami Valley, which includes the potential for heavy rain and damaging winds tonight and into Friday.

The new alert system is designed to keep people informed and safe during severe weather and other emergencies.

The alert system the city is now using is called Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).

IPAWS is FEMA’s national system for local alerting, which gives information to the public through mobile phones using wireless emergency alerts.

IPAWS also alerts radio and television via the Emergency Alert System, and on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Radio.

If it is activated during tonight or tomorrow, it will be the first time the city has had to use it, the city said in a media release.

At the time of the alert, IPAWS notifies people in target areas using the GPS in their cell phone

If people do not have a cell phone, they can receive the same alerts through their television, radio or emergency alert radio.

No sign-up or residency is needed to be included in this program.

“The city has worked, and continues to work, to enhance its tornado and severe weather alert system that includes simultaneous utilization of several platforms, including IPAWS, to keep people informed in the event of severe weather and other emergencies. The city is committed to helping keep everyone safe,” the city said in the release.

A High Wind Warning will go into effect for the entire region from 10 p.m. to Friday at 8 a.m. The winds will be strong with gusts up to 60 mph. Sporadic power outages are possible due to the winds alone, according to Storm Center 7′s Chief Meteorologist McCall Vrydaghs.




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