Emergency Alerts

Staying informed is critical during emergency situations, particularly during severe weather events. Good ways to receive information on severe weather include:

NOAA Weather Radios are specialized radio receivers that broadcast weather information and alerts directly from National Weather Service. They are available at many big-box stores and online retailers. Make sure to place the radio in a spot that gets good reception. Turn it on, program it to your location, and choose the clearest channel.

NotifyJoCo. This free notification system allows you to receive emergency messages from Johnson County, local cities and some public utilities. NotifyJoCo is used during severe weather and other emergency situations. Choose which alerts you want to receive and how you’d like to receive them — including phone, email or text. Register at NotifyJoCo.org.

Wireless Emergency Alerts. Government authorities can send alerts to cell phones about public safety emergencies — such as severe weather, missing children or the need to evacuate. The alerts are broadcast to the geographic area affected by an emergency. To receive a wireless emergency alert message, your handset must be WEA-capable, switched on, not on "airplane mode," and receiving service from a cell tower of a wireless carrier that participates in WEA.

Weather apps on your cell phone can help keep you informed about weather conditions. Turn off your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” setting when severe weather is possible. Or set it to allow notifications from weather apps.

Local TV and radio stations may offer both emergency broadcast alerts and live coverage of weather events.

Tornado sirens alert people who are outdoors to take shelter and seek more information. Johnson County Emergency Management usually activates the sirens, which only sound during tests and warnings.