Rapid weather changes make emergency alerts vital in WNC

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Photo: Metro Services/Metro Creative Graphics

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Weather in the mountains of Western North Carolina can change quickly, and winter storms, hurricanes (tropical storms) and heavy rains can create dangerous conditions..

That’s why it’s important to receive emergency alerts. Counties and towns across the Asheville area offer free alert systems, and signing up is quick and easy.

Buncombe County

Buncombe County offers BCAlerts through CodeRED, a free system that sends emergency notifications and important county updates to smartphones, phones, or email. Alerts can include vaccine site notifications, inclement weather closures, schedule changes, and other county service information. Residents can sign up by texting BCAlert to 99411 or visiting Buncombe County’s website.

Asheville

The City of Asheville provides AVL Alert, which delivers emergency and non-emergency notifications. Residents can choose to receive alerts via text, email or phone and can update their preferences at any time.

Black Mountain

Black Mountain residents can register for CodeRED to receive emergency alerts, including road closures, water line breaks and weather instructions. Sign up online or text BlackMtn to 24639 for a direct link.

Haywood County

Haywood County’s Alert Center lists current alerts and emergencies. Residents can subscribe to Notify Me® or RSS feeds for instant notifications.

Henderson County

Henderson County’s Emergency Alert Program sends critical updates on severe weather, road closures, missing persons or evacuations. Alerts can be delivered by phone, email or text.

Hendersonville

AlertHVL communicates emergency and non-emergency information to residents and visitors via text, email or voice message. Users can select which alerts to receive.

Jackson County

Jackson County uses CodeRED, a reverse 9-1-1 system, to send pre-recorded messages about manmade or natural emergencies to targeted areas or the entire county.

Madison County

Residents can receive weather and community alerts on their cell phones or by email. Click here to learn more.

McDowell County

McDowell County provides emergency notifications through local public safety agencies. Residents can register online to receive alerts.

Staying signed up for these systems ensures residents receive timely updates that can help protect life and property during emergencies.

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