MONTGOMERY– Alabama has activated a new statewide emergency notification system designed to warn residents about floods and other disasters.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced the system’s activation Tuesday. The announcement follows her Jan. 13 State of the State address, when she committed $1.2 million to launch the program.
Previously, WEIS Radio reported that the state was developing the warning system with support from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
The system can deliver emergency information through cellphones, landline phones, television stations, and radio stations. Additionally, officials said the expanded reach should give families more time to prepare when disasters develop quickly.
“Our new statewide notification system will ensure all Alabamians have the greatest access to warnings of disasters including flooding,” Ivey said.
How to Receive Alabama Emergency Alerts
Residents can enroll through the Alabama Emergency Management Agency’s ALalert page and complete the online registration form.
They can also register by text message:
- For emergency alerts and notifications, text ALalert to 77295.
- For general preparedness information and updates, text ALinfo to 77295.
Meanwhile, the system is intended to complement warnings distributed through local emergency officials, broadcasters, and other established channels.
System Follows Deadly Texas Flood
The governor called for the notification system following the deadly July 2025 flooding at Camp Mystic in Texas. The disaster claimed 27 lives at the camp, including 25 children.
Eight-year-old Sarah Marsh of Mountain Brook was among those killed.
Afterward, Alabama officials pursued additional protections for children attending overnight camps. Ivey signed the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act on April 8.
Moreover, the law establishes emergency-preparedness requirements for residential camps in Alabama. Those requirements include weather monitoring, communication procedures, evacuation plans, staff training, and flood-safety measures.
The alert system’s activation also comes shortly before National Preparedness Month in September. Finally, Ivey encouraged residents to register now instead of waiting for an emergency.
“The watchword for all Alabamians is preparedness,” Ivey said. “I encourage all Alabamians to sign up for the new alert system today.”
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