Emergency Notification and Preparedness

Montrose Alerts System Opens in new windowIn an emergency, it is absolutely imperative for public safety officials to reach those in the community who are most at risk.

Safety officials use an emergency notification system to deliver recorded and text-based emergency messages to communication devices within the affected area. 

The alert system uses a database of phone numbers and their associated physical addresses. When the system is activated, an emergency contact area is mapped and phones with physical addresses within that area are selected for notification. The system then attempts to deliver an emergency message to the selected phones. Depending on the nature of the emergency, the system may attempt to leave a message if there is no answer. 

Wireline phones and their associated address information are processed into the ENS biannually, using 9-1-1 database information from CenturyLink. Individuals who wish to receive emergency voice or text messages on their cellular or Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) phone are encouraged to register via the Montrose County Emergency Alerts registration webpage. Emergency notification messages will be sent to registered phones based on the physical addresses provided during registration, not the locations of the phones at the time of the emergency.

Please note: Users must enter both a phone number and a valid physical address at the time of registration. Phones will only be contacted in the event of an emergency. 

The emergency notification system is funded by the Montrose Emergency Telephone Service Authority and administered by the Montrose County Office of Emergency Management.  For more information about the system, please call 970-252-4043.

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Emergency Alert System

During a large-area emergency situation, the federal Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) may also be used to broadcast emergency messages. These messages may be sent via one or more of these IPAWS sub-systems:

  • Emergency Alert System (EAS) - messages may be broadcast on
    • Radio - KKXK 94.1 FM, KUBC 580 AM, satellite radio
    • TV - broadcast, cable, satellite TV
  • Wireless Emergency Alert System - messages may be broadcast from one or more cell towers to reach all cell phones in a medium to large area
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio may also broadcast emergency messages

Emergency Preparedness Is Everyone's Responsibility

Local governments are expected to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to a wide variety of potential emergency situations – from severe weather to domestic terrorism. When an emergency occurs, they are ready to meet the critical needs of the community as a whole.

Individuals have a similar responsibility to take steps to ensure that they are prepared to care for the needs of their household during an emergency. Numerous actual emergencies demonstrate that citizens who accept this important responsibility fare much better than those who do not. Personal preparedness also reduces or eliminates unnecessary burdens on emergency responders at a time when resources are already stretched to the limit.

Consider Some Important Questions

  • Are you and your family prepared for an emergency?
  • Is your family prepared to cope with a disaster if you are called upon to assist in the disaster response?
  • Have you planned evacuations?
  • Do you have a family reunification plan if you are separated during an event?
  • Do you have a communication plan that will work even if technology is unavailable?
  • Do you have a survival cache only at your home or is it with you and accessible at all times?
  • Are you able to assist your neighbors if necessary?
  • Is your cell phone registered with the Emergency Notification System?

Prepare a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

The first few days following an emergency are often the most difficult. Loss of power, communications, and transportation resources can make it difficult or even impossible to obtain basic necessities. Many of these basic needs can be met by preparing and maintaining a 72-hour emergency kit for each member of your household. The cost of one kit is approximately $150 including freeze-dried foods.