The City of Nelson announced a new emergency notification system Thursday.
The Voylent Alert System is downloaded via an app and provides emergency notifications to phones, computers, tablets and landlines.
Notifications, the city said in a statement, will only be sent for events such as wildfires, extreme weather or hazardous materials released.
“Notifications will advise users on what is happening and what they should do, such as preparing for an evacuation or taking shelter by closing all doors and windows,” said the city. “Signing up for emergency notification is an essential part of individual and community preparedness.”
To sign up, go to nelson.ca and click on the Emergency Notification icon at the top of the home page. You can also visit either the Apple Store or Google Play to download the Voylent Alert app and sign up that way.
The same alert system is also used by the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
READ MORE:
• Lack of rain, high temperatures spike wildfire risk in southern part of Interior B.C.
• Climate change made B.C., Alberta heat wave 150 times more likely, study concludes