New mobile emergency alert system launched for Henry County

The alert system operates using Instant Message Alerting technology through the Distributed Recipient Messenger smart phone application. The application is available for download on Apple App Store or Google Play. Citizens can download the app by search or by scanning the QR code provided. Once the application has been downloaded, users should input the code, HCA, to add Henry County mobile alerts. The DR Messenger app does not collect any personal data from your phone, including phone numbers. Robocalling or spam calls will never be an issue with this app.

The system will alert users to National Weather Service weather warnings, watches, current event alerts, and custom alerts sent by the National Weather Service and local emergency officials. Emergency Management and law enforcement agencies will be able to send out customized local alerts based on current incidents in the county if needed. The alert system will be capable of sending 1,000 notifications a second.

“We have been searching for over a year for an affordable community alert product that is not reliant on text messaging and does not collect any user data for delivery of emergency alerts,” said Ron Watkins, EMA director. “Because of recent cyber security threats across the country and anti-spam measures put in place by cellular carriers, mass text messaging has seen a slowdown on alerts being delivered. This system app works by using internet connectivity either through your cellphone carrier or a Wi-Fi connection which gives two paths for delivery instead of relying on a cell tower alone. We understand some persons may not use a smart phone capable of installing applications, however, we feel this system may be more reliable in emergency situations.”

The EMA will be reaching out to persons who signed up for the former county text alert system to consider downloading the new app for Henry County Alerts. The former system will not be operational moving forward. As always, Henry County EMA recommends using more than one way to receive emergency alerts.

If you have any questions, contact the Henry County Emergency Management office at 731-644-2678.

Scan the adjacent QR Code to download app from the proper store. The QR Code will direct you to the right store.

Apple or any IOS Device:

1. Alternatively, go to App Store and search for app called ”DRMESSENGER” all one word or scan the adjacent QR Code.

2. Install the app.

3. Run App. It will ask you to Allow Notifications. You want to say ALLOW.

4. Choose the login code you wish to receive on.

5. Enter the code “HCA” which stands for Henry County Alerts. Any alerts sent to the general public from National Weather Service, Henry County 911, Paris Police, Henry County Sheriff or Henry County EMA will be received on your phone through the app.

Android:

1. Alternatively, go to the Google Play Store and search for app called ”DRMESSENGER” all one word or scan the adjacent QR Code.

2. Install the app.

3. Run App. It will ask you to Allow Notifications. You want to say ALLOW.

4. Enter the code “HCA” which stands for Henry County Alerts. Any alerts sent to the general public from National Weather Service, Henry County 911, Paris Police, Henry County Sheriff or Henry County EMA will be received on your phone through the app.

On Samsung phones, at this point it is going to ask you to go into the settings and add DRM to the NEVER SLEEP APPS. Be sure you do this because if you don’t allow inactivity the app will shut off because of lack of activity.