For Immediate Release

Sign up to receive Emergency Alerts in Surprise

SURPRISE, AZ (September 2, 2009) A new City of Surprise service allows you to get text messages or e-mails about breaking emergency news in Surprise. Dubbed the Surprise Emergency Alert System, it allows officials to send public safety alerts, missing person reports, Amber alerts and other important messages to registered users.

"The faster we can alert people to an emergency situation or the disappearance of a child, the better our chances of a positive outcome," says Police Chief Dan Hughes. "We constantly look for ways to create a more informed and involved citizenry."

 "We worked closely with Surprise Police to create a tool that can keep people in the loop about emergency situations no matter where they may be at the time," adds Surprise Chief Information Officer Randy Jackson.  Last year, Surprise introduced Traffic Alerts, sending messages about accident-related traffic tie-ups.

Surprise Police will dispatch the alerts in real time around the clock.  "Registered users can choose to receive alerts 24/7 or select a time frame in which they would like to receive alerts," Hughes says.

Register online at www.surpriseaz.com/emergencyalerts.

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