Spokane County Emergency Management has launched a new mass notification system through a partnership with Regroup Mass Notification, replacing its previous alert platform. Residents can sign up to receive emergency warnings by visiting the ALERT Spokane website.
Officials emphasized that registration is the only way for residents to receive notifications if they are away from home during an emergency such as a wildfire. The system is designed to send alerts for fires, law enforcement activity, and other public safety events across the greater Spokane County area.
The county uses a three-level evacuation warning system. A Level 1 alert means residents should prepare to leave and gather essential items. A Level 2 alert means dangerous conditions are developing and residents should be ready to leave at a moment's notice, with those needing extra time — including pet and livestock owners — strongly encouraged to leave immediately. A Level 3 alert means residents must leave the area immediately, as emergency services may not be able to assist.
The county recommends residents prepare a go-bag in advance containing money, important documents, medications, water, snacks, pet supplies, and a change of clothing. A Fire Evacuation Map, developed by Spokane Regional Emergency Communications, is available to help residents identify evacuation areas. Emergency preparedness information is available in multiple languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, and Marshallese.