City of Winnipeg launches emergency text message notification service

Released: August 23, 2017 at 11:15 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB – Today, the City of Winnipeg launched its new WpgEmerg Alert Service which provides the public with two additional ways to receive information from the City of Winnipeg during an emergency. Through the WpgEmerg Alert Service, the public can now sign-up to receive emergency information by text or email.

“We know that staying up-to-date with the most current information is one of the best ways to keep you and your loved ones safe during an emergency,” said Jason Shaw, Assistant Chief of Emergency Management, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. “I encourage all Winnipeg residents, and those who frequently visit our city, to sign up for both the text and email options.”

“In an emergency, we will continue to release information through the media, social media, and our website,” said Felicia Wiltshire, Director, Customer Service & Communications. “This new service will also allow us to reach people quickly and directly on their mobile devices.”

The City will use the WpgEmerg Alert Service during emergencies that require residents to take immediate action such as a mass evacuation or boil water advisory. The City will continue to use other methods of communication during an emergency including news releases, social media, and Winnipeg.ca.

The City of Winnipeg will not use numbers collected to distribute any other information regarding City services. There is no cost to subscribe to the City’s email notification service, however, text message subscribers may be charged standard text messaging rates by their cell phone service provider when receiving a WpgEmerg Alert Service text message.

To sign up for the WpgEmerg Alert Service, please visit City of Winnipeg – WpgEmerg Alert Service.

For more information on how to plan for an emergency, visit City of Winnipeg – EmergWeb.

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