Have you signed up for Delco Alert? If not, you might want to add it to your to-do list. I know… that list is ever-growing, but this is a 5-minute task that can save you a lot of time in the future (and might be really helpful in an emergency). It’s got a high “return on investment” of your time.

What’s Delco Alert?

As you might have guessed (I mean… the name is kind of obvious, which is a good thing), this is a system that provides notifications from Delaware County about a variety of things you might want to know about.

According to the county website, Delco Alert is:

“the emergency notification system [that] sends alerts directly to residents through their mobile devices, email, and/or landline phones. Residents may be alerted before, during, and after a major emergency, instantly providing critical information when minutes and even seconds might make a difference.”

Emergency notifications are critical, but the system offers more than just emergency information. You sign up for a bunch of different subscriptions based on content type. The system also asks for some information from you to help emergency workers respond to an emergency at your home should you, unfortunately, need their help. Let’s dive into more details.

How to sign up for Delco Alert

You create an account (you can start here) with an email address and a phone number associated with your address. You’ll need to verify your phone and email with verification codes as you move through the process, but it’s straightforward.

Choose your Delco Alert preferred notifications

Next, answer a series of questions about which types of notifications you’d like to receive. Everyone automatically defaults to receive emergency notifications.

You can also add other notifications from library updates to county council notifications to traffic information. Just be sure not to sign up for too many, or your phone and email will be blowing up all day! There are categories based on your municipality and the county as a whole.

Additional information for Delco Alert

Lastly, you’re asked for additional information that can help in an emergency. After asking which township you live in, the alert system asks you to provide information about services you may need in an emergency.

Do you need special assistance in the event of an evacuation?
Do you have a second home or family with whom you can stay in the event of an evacuation?
Do you have additional needs (blindness, homebound, medication, etc) in the event of an emergency?
Do you have a service animal?
Do you have a pet?

Among other reasons, having this information helps fire departments and other emergency workers know what to expect if an emergency occurs at your home or in the community.

Have you signed up yet? Tell a neighbor, too!

If you haven’t already signed up, what are you waiting for?! 💛 Sign up now at least to receive emergency notifications and provide information about your home circumstances so emergency responders can be as prepared as possible in case they need to come to your house. Knowing even just a few extra details about special services and pets in advance might help save a life!