New Hanover County introduces new emergency alert texts in Wilmington, NC

New Hanover County has implemented a new system to provide residents with important emergency alerts.

“We’ve always had a variety of ways to reach the community,” said Anna McRay, the county’s deputy director of emergency management. “This is simply the most modern, user-friendly and easiest solution for the general public to register for.”

The program was launched during Hurricane Preparedness Week, McRay said, and 2,300 residents have signed up through early June 2024.

“It’s so important to be able to share this emergency information,” McRay said, adding that she hopes subscriber numbers will eventually match the county’s population.

But what exactly is the new emergency warning system and how does it work?

What types of alerts does the system provide?

Alerts distributed through the system will focus on public safety — including updates on severe weather, hazardous safety conditions and more, McRay said. The tool will be especially useful during hurricane season.

“Before an event like a hurricane, people can triple-check their plans and make sure they know what resources they need to have in their emergency kit,” McRay said. The alert system will relay information on “what to do and where to get resources.”