Receiving emergency alerts

Modern technology affords the public numerous ways to be alerted about weather emergencies and other hazardous situations. 

Town of Hurley

When an emergency strikes, it's important to be in the know. For access to urgent alerts from the Town of Hurley, go to townofhurley.org/subscribe and sign up for local e-alerts related to weather events and more. Emergency information posted on the town's website will be emailed to subscribers automatically.

Ulster County

The Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) is FEMA's national system for local alerting that Ulster County can access and use. IPAWS can assist in providing authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through mobile phones using Wireless Emergency Alerts; to radio and TV via the Emergency Alert System; and on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Weather Radio when there is a disaster or emergency incident that warrants public notification.

To learn more about IPAWS, go to FEMA.gov.

New York State

New Yorkers can subscribe to NY Alert (go to alert.ny.gov/sign-ny-alert-0) to receive critical information and emergency alerts about what is happening in their area. NY Alert contains critical, emergency-related information, including instructions and recommendations in real time by emergency personnel. Information may include severe weather warnings, significant highway closures, hazardous material spills, and other emergency conditions.

All areas of New York State are included in the system, and you can decide which area you would like to receive alerts about.

Red Cross

The American Red Cross offers several smartphone apps, including ones to help people prepare for emergencies and deal with them after the fact.

There’s a general “Emergency” app, as well as apps called “Tornado,” “Flood,” “Wildfire” and “Hurricane.” Each of them sends important alerts to smartphones.

Other apps offered by the Red Cross include “First Aid,” “Pet First Aid,” “Swim,” “Blood Donor,” "Hero Care" and “Youth.”

Any or all of the Red Cross’ apps can be downloaded at the website redcross.org/apps or by going to the App Store on an iPhone or Google Play on an Android phone. Smartphone users also can get access to them by texting APPS to 90999.

All of the apps are free, and Spanish versions are available.