24-04-2025
Counties across the Wabash Valley pushing new weather alert systems
WABASH VALLEY (WTWO/WAWV) — The Wabash Valley is no stranger to severe weather season, and that's why counties are pushing new alert systems, for county residents to be prepared.
Recently, Greene County has introduced a new reverse 911 system, where residents can be alerted at the tips of their fingers.
'This is the wave of the future,' said Greene County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director, Rodger Axe. 'Reverse 911, we will call you if there's a tornado or maybe some other things with an automated call and give you the warning.'
The new implemented system allows county residents receive alerts straight to their phone, whenever and wherever they are.
'They can take their warning on their cell phone with them wherever they go. If they're inside shopping, at an athletic event like a ball game, they can get the warning. Or if they travel, they can get the warning on what's going on back home.'
Thanks to cutting edge technology, Vigo County has also introduced a high-tech alert system called Nixel, ensuring residents have constant communication during severe weather.
'With the invent of cellphones, emergency warning system is automatically coming across your phone,' said Vigo County Emergency Management Agency Director, Dorene Hojnicki. 'Between X and Facebook, it's constant.'
With these new alert systems in place, emergency management across different counties say these systems are more cost efficient and effective than tornado sirens.
'Tornado sirens are extremely costly,' said Axe. 'What we would pay for a siren, we can provide about four to five years of coverage with Reverse 911, so it's cost effective.'
For both Greene County and Vigo County, the alert systems are completely free for anyone to sign up.
'There's no cost to the community members themselves. All you got to remember do is just sign up and you really can choose what entities you want to get additional messaging and warnings from,' said Hojnicki.
Since March, the National Weather Service has confirmed 12 tornadoes have touched down across the Wabash Valley. Ultimately, damaging homes, properties, and impacting communities across the area.
With the alert systems in place, the best thing anyone and everyone can do across the Wabash Valley is have a plan.
'That's the key, being prepared,' said Chief Meteorologist Jesse Walker. 'You can't stop the weather you know some people are scared by storms. But I always say there no reason to be scared as long as you have a plan.'
Vigo County residents can sign up for weather alerts on Nixel here.
Residents of Greene County can enroll in Reverse 911 system here.
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