"Emergency Notification Systems" is sometimes referred to by the brand name "Reverse 9-1-1", but there are several brands of Emergency Notification Systems in use in Colorado. These are services that 9-1-1 centers or local emergency managers can use to send messages out to a large number of residents at once. These services are frequently used to notify residents of emergency weather information, amber alerts, or other types of notifications.
Some of these services can send messages out to an area as small as a neighborhood or as large as a county, but they rely on a database of current phone numbers to be able to send out messages. Many of these services require users to "opt in" to receive messages. Contact your county to find out how to sign up for emergency notifications and keep your information up-to-date.
Wireless emergency alerts are emergency messages sent by state and local public safety officials, the National Weather Service, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the President. These types of alerts don't require users to "opt in", and can even send relevant messages to people who are passing through or visiting an area that is affected by an emergency alert.
Colorado HB23-1237 resulted in a study conducted by the Natural Hazards Center. Its purpose was to identify best practices for inclusive alerting and offer recommendations to improve current alert systems in Colorado that address language and access needs. The report and its associated website can be found here.
Smart911 is a private service that allows users to enter information about themselves and their households. This information is then shared with participating 9-1-1 centers when the user calls 9-1-1 in that center's service area. Here are some things to know about Smart911:
Not all 9-1-1 call centers in Colorado participate with Smart911.
The information provided by Smart911 to the 9-1-1 call center is only as good and up-to-date as what you enter. Make sure your Smart911 profile is up-to-date and complete.