While there is still (a little) snow left in the high country, the wildfire season is well underway in Jefferson County. We can’t predict exactly what our season will look like, but there are steps we can and should take to be prepared for whatever may come. The most important part of that preparation includes knowing how to get emergency information.
The County’s Mass Notification System, the Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page, and the County Low-Power FM Radio Network are the three pillars of emergency notification in Jefferson County, and the first of those has transitioned to a new platform.
Jefferson County’s new Mass Notification System, Everbridge, provides important tools for the public to stay informed about incidents and emergencies, but citizens must sign up for a free account to take full advantage of those capabilities. To do so, visit the County’s webpage at https://jeffersoncounty-mt.gov/, scroll down, and click on the blue button that says “Sign up for Emergency Notifications Here.” That link takes users to the Jefferson County member portal where they can create an account and sign up for the notifications they would like to receive.
Creating an account allows users to receive the most detailed information available, using the delivery methods that work best for them, covering the topics in which they are interested. Those who signed up for Jefferson County’s previous system have been transferred to the new platform, but we still recommend creating an account. Doing so will enable users to customize the notifications they receive and the methods by which they receive them.
A simpler text messaging option is also available for those who don’t want to create an account. To register for that service, users can text the word 51MTALERT to 888777 to sign up for incident notifications. These notifications include topics such as vehicle crashes or blockages impacting highways, prescribed burn information, major law enforcement activity, as well as major incidents that occur in Jefferson County. Users can always opt- out by texting STOP to the same number, 888777.
The biggest difference between the two options is that those who sign up for 51MTALERT will receive all incident notifications, not just those they select when they sign up for an account. Another important difference is that those with accounts can receive more detailed information that can be specific to their location, while the 51MTALERT option has message length restrictions that can limit how much information we can provide and is sent to all subscribers regardless of where they live.
Signing up doesn’t just provide safety to the public, it also helps keep our first responders safe. During major incidents, dispatch centers get inundated with calls from the public looking for information. That directly impacts critical communication capacity between dispatch and those responding to a scene, creating serious safety concerns. Please never call 911 to get information unless you have an emergency. Instead, sign up today for the Mass Notification System so you can get the information you need when you need it.
Finally, anyone living outside Jefferson County can sign up as well, but the notifications they receive are limited to those that impact our County. Each county in Montana has its own notification platform, so those outside of Jefferson County are strongly encouraged to find out how to sign up with their local jurisdiction. Those who need help signing up can call Jefferson County’s Office of Emergency Management at (406) 225-4035. The best time to request assistance is before an incident occurs, however, as during major events response duties will delay the ability to help.
Dodge is the county’s direct of emergency management. Contact him at ddodge@jeffersoncounty-mt.gov
