YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning County residents can now sign up for a new emergency alert service provided by the county at no cost.

Smart911 “Ready Mahoning” is the Mahoning County official emergency alert and notification system.

According to the county’s website, this system is used to send alerts to the public during emergencies. Smart911 Ready Mahoning is a free service that allows residents to sign up online to receive customized alerts via text message, email and voice message.

The “Ready Mahoning” system was purchased through the Mahoning County Data Processing Department, for both emergency alerts as well as internal county communications. The county’s cost is $36,000 per year.

“I am excited to announce release of the new Mahoning County Emergency Alert System,” said county Emergency Management Agency Director Dennis O’Hara. The system was launched late last month.

Read more about the alert system in Sunday’s Vindicator.