Will County Launches New Alert System For Emergency Notifications, Community Updates

WILL COUNTY, IL — Will County residents will have a new way to receive emergency alerts and important community information as Will County 9-1-1 rolls out an enhanced public notification system designed to keep people informed before, during, and after emergencies, officials announced Monday.

The new “Smart911” alert system replaces the current Everbridge system utilized by several Will County municipalities to send out public safety messages to registered residents via text, phone, email, or application alerts. In addition to traditional emergency notifications, participating communities may also send out additional community alerts, such as road closures, public safety information, community event information, service disruptions, and other important local updates.

“This new system gives Will County agencies and participating communities a modern tool to quickly share critical information with the public,” said Will County 9-1-1 Chief Administrator Brian Van. “By registering for Smart911, residents can receive timely, reliable alerts in the way that works best for them. Adding multiple addresses can help residents receive alerts for places that matter most to them beyond their home address.”

Residents who currently receive notifications via Everbridge will need to register through Smart911 to continue to receive local community alerts. Local governments transitioning to the new alert system include Beecher, Braidwood, Crest Hill, Crete, Diamond, Joliet, Manhattan, Mokena, Monee, Rockdale, Romeoville, Wilmington, and Troy Township.

The current Everbridge system has been maintained by the Will County Emergency Management Agency, who will also be transitioning to the new Smart911 system to send out important emergency alerts for registered users. Existing Everbridge subscribers will receive a notification about the transition and will be encouraged to register for the new system. The transition is expected to be completed by July 1.

“We have seen a rapid increase over the years in residents signing up for emergency and community alerts, and we look forward to helping residents make a smooth transition to this new platform,” said Will County Emergency Management Agency Director Allison Anderson. “Signing up for alerts is one of the easiest and most important steps residents can take to stay informed and prepared.”

In addition to the new alert system, residents are encouraged to create a Smart911 Safety Profile to provide important information that may help 911 dispatchers and first responders during an emergency. Residents can include details such as household members, medical information, pets, vehicles, emergency contacts, and additional addresses, including work, school, or a family member’s home.

Residents can register for the new alert system by visiting the website.

Will County 9-1-1, also known as the Will County Emergency Telephone System, supports and coordinates 911 services throughout Will County. Will County 9-1-1 works with public safety answering points, emergency responders, and local government partners to help ensure residents can access emergency services when they need them most.