City of Elmhurst encourages residents to sign up for the ALERTS emergency notification system

September is National Preparedness Month, a great reminder to make sure you're connected when it matters most. Elmhurst ALERTS is the City of Elmhurst's official emergency notification system, providing timely updates about emergencies, severe weather, significant public safety incidents, construction impacts and other critical advisories. Sign up to receive alerts by text, phone call or email at Elmhurst.org/Alerts.

Creating an account allows you to choose how you'd like to receive notifications, add or update your contact information, subscribe to additional alert categories, and receive location-based alerts that matter most to you.

Elmhurst ALERTS is reserved for situations that may affect public safety or significantly impact your neighborhood. You may receive alerts for

• Imminent threats to life or safety, such as shelter-in-place orders, evacuation notices, or other emergencies requiring immediate action
• Severe weather, including tornado watches and warnings, flash flood watches, blizzards, and major ice storms
• Significant neighborhood impacts, such as major water main breaks, hazardous conditions, missing endangered persons, critical police activity, or major utility or construction incidents affecting your area

Depending on the situation, alerts may be sent citywide or only to residents and businesses within a specific geographic area.

Elmhurst ALERTS is not used for routine communications. You generally will not receive alerts for community events, most planned construction projects, and everyday services and reminders. The City of Elmhurst shares day-to-day information through its website (www.elmhurst.org), social media, e-newsletters, the Front Porch quarterly newsletter, and other communication channels.

The City of Elmhurst carefully evaluates each situation to determine whether an Elmhurst ALERT is the most appropriate communication tool.

Your contact information is secure and will only be used to send emergency notifications or the alert categories you choose. Registering also allows you to customize how and where you receive notifications.

The City of Elmhurst has invested in the premium version of the alert system, which connects to a database of publicly sourced information that aggregates residential and business phone numbers that can be utilized and sent emergency alerts. Depending on the emergency, the alert may be sent to the entire city, or to selected geographical areas of the city.

When you see 630-530-3773 displayed on your caller ID, the call is from the Elmhurst ALERTS system. Messages will also be sent via email and text from the number 89361.