MONTGOMERY — Alabama residents now have a new way to receive emergency warnings following the activation of a statewide notification system designed to provide faster alerts about flooding and other disasters.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced the activation Tuesday, Aug. 25, following plans outlined during her Jan. 13 State of the State address. The state allocated $1.2 million to launch the emergency notification system in 2026.
“As I announced in January, our new statewide notification system will ensure all Alabamians have the greatest access to warnings of disasters including flooding,” Ivey said. “Protecting the safety of all Alabamians, especially our children, is our top priority and this statewide flood notification system will enable families to receive more timely alerts to prepare and stay safe.”
The system will allow emergency notifications to be distributed through cellphones and landline phones, as well as local television and radio stations.
Residents who want to receive alerts directly from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency can opt in online through the ALalert section of the Alabama EMA website.
Residents can also register by text message. Those seeking emergency alerts and notifications can text ALalert to 77295. Those who want general preparedness information and updates can text ALinfo to 77295.
The notification system was developed following the July 2025 flooding in Texas that killed 27 people, including 25 children at Camp Mystic. Eight-year-old Sarah Marsh of Homewood was among those who died.
The flooding also prompted additional action in Alabama related to summer camp safety. On April 8, Ivey signed the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, which established additional safety and preparedness measures for summer camps in the state.
The statewide notification system is being activated shortly before National Preparedness Month, which is observed in September.
“The watchword for all Alabamians is preparedness, and the activation of the new statewide notification system will provide the most effective tools for all our citizens to be prepared in the event of catastrophic floods and other disasters,” Ivey said. “I encourage all Alabamians to sign up for the new alert system today.”
