Stay Informed
Be informed before, during, and after an emergency. Sign up for or learn about ways to receive information from local authorities, agencies and businesses.
Columbia Alert Network
Columbia Alert Network is a high-speed telephone dialing service used to notify citizens and businesses of important information. Notifications are delivered to targeted geographic areas by telephone call or electronic messages like text messaging or email.
Public Alerts
Public Alerts is a portal to the community notification system for Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. Sign up to receive emergency voice and/or data messages on your cell phone, Voice-Over-IP (VOIP or internet-based) phone, email or phone provided by a cable TV carrier. If you have a published landline phone, it will automatically be added to the system. Your information is safe and will only be used for emergency notifications.
FlashAlert Newswire
The FlashAlert Newswire system gives you access to emergency messages, such as breaking news or weather closure information, from local agencies, schools, universities, businesses, and churches that subscribe to use the service. The service is free for message recipients and you can customize how you receive your messages.
National Weather Service
Find alert and warning information through the National Weather Service. NWS provides weather service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also purchase a NOAA Weather Radio, which can be customized to your county and the types of weather events you want to be alerted to.
Local Radio and Television Stations
Local radio and television news stations report and help communicate important information during an emergency. Also, when activated, Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages are transmitted to both TV and radio (an audible tone followed by voice instruction or scrolling text). The EAS is a national public warning system that requires broadcasters to provide communications capability during emergencies to local, state and federal authorities.
Learn More about Different Types of Emergencies
Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as making an emergency supply kit and developing a family emergency plan, can be used in any type of emergency whether human caused or natural. However, there are differences among potential emergencies that impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. Learn about the types of emergencies that can happen where you live, work or vacation and ways to stay informed during an emergency.