Muskogee County Emergency Management Implements New App For Weather Safety

Muskogee City and County Emergency Management is trying to stay ahead of the storms and keep people informed with a new mass alert system. 

Shiela Shamblin lives outside of Webbers Falls and remembers the chaos of last year's flooding. "We were all affected in some way," Shamblin said.

She says during that event, she needed information fast to help her family. 

"I actually would make several phone calls to try and get information," Shamblin said.  

Muskogee County Emergency Management Director Jeff Smith says that flooding is what prompted them get the Hyper Reach alert system. It sends instant information to people in specific areas. 

"During the flooding last year, we actually had first responders, fire departments, police departments going door to door telling people to evacuate areas. Having that on your phone is just another trigger for people to get to safety a lot faster," Smith said. 

Smith says there are four ways residents can sign up for alerts: 

1. Go to: http://hyper-reach.com/okmuskogeesignup.html

2. Scan the QR Code with your smartphone

3. Text “alerts” to 918-203-6633

4. Call 918-203-6633

Smith says they launched the system last week, and over 1200 have already signed up. He says he wants to encourage more people to enroll. 

Shamblin signed up during her interview with News On 6 and said she was shocked how easy it was. 

"That was the easiest system I've ever used." Shamblin said. "When you have the facts and you don't have to worry about the rumor and this would be able to give us the facts that we need," said Shamblin. 

Smith says they will not be using the system for COVID-19 updates but will continue Sharing information by the health department on emergency management Facebook page.