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.

The Smart911 alert system is a product of Rave Mobile Safety. It is not tied to the county’s 9-1-1 system, but it does offer real-

time alerts from sources such as the National Weather Service. When the NWS sends a warning to the county, those signed up will receive the same warning at the same time. It can also be used for real-time alerts for other emergencies as well.

“So if the NWS issues a tornado warning, the text alert is automatically sent out to everyone that is registered for alerts. The alerts can be via text, voice, email, and/or social media. These alerts do not require an app to be downloaded,” O’Hara explained.

He said alerts also can be generated by the EMA for local emergencies. “For example, a geographical area could be alerted to a hazardous materials incident,” he said.

Prior to the new system, alerts would be received by the county and then “pushed” out to the public via radio, television, and text alerts. This system makes it faster and has more to offer.

“The Board of Mahoning County Commissioners is proud to be able to provide ‘Ready Mahoning’ alerts to all residents and visitors of the County,” said Anthony Traficanti, board president. “This system, which does not require an app, allows residents the ability to opt into the types of alerts and the way they would like to receive alerts.”

He said the entire “Ready Mahoning” system mirrors the Penguin Alerts at Youngstown State University. Residents can opt for text, voice, email, and/or social media alerts.

“The registration process is simple and fast,” Traficanti said. “Our EMA Director, Dennis O’Hara has coordinated with the Mahoning County Data Processing Department to bring these alerts to Mahoning County.”

Smart911 does have an app to download, however it is not required to receive the alerts. To sign up for the alerts and more, visit https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=mahoningcountyoh

When signing up, residents can opt to fill out information such as medical and emergency contacts, and even what pets are in a home. This information is kept private and is made available to first responders. They will have the information on something simple as a cat or dog in the house, or has the resident received COVID-19 shots.

The information that one provides is exempt from public disclosure and will be used for emergency purposes only.

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