Union City to launch emergency alert system

UNION CITY, Tenn. — The Union City Police Department says a new alert system will send citizens emergency notifications and public service announcements.

“You’re able to be notified by text message, by cellphone, by home phone, email,” Union City Police Chief Perry Barfield said.

Police said the system will notify residents about severe weather, road closures, utility outages, festival announcements and more.

Barfield said people can select which alerts they want to receive. “So you won’t be bothered if you don’t want to be bothered,” he said.

The new alert system will cost the city about $9,000 a year, but citizens can sign up for free, Barfield said.

Some people said they are glad to see the city taking a proactive approach. “I think it would give everybody a good opportunity to be aware of what’s going on in the local community, prepare us for any type of event that may occur,” Matt Goodrich said.

Barfield encouraged people to sign up for the free alerts. “They keep the community involved, keep them alert to what’s going on,” he said.

Police said they hope the new alert system will be operational by May 1.

You can sign up to receive alerts at the Union City Police Department website.