In an effort to improve emergency communication, New York City Mayor Adams and NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol have introduced an updated process for residents to quickly enroll in Notify NYC, the city's primary emergency alert system. By sending a text with the keyword "NOTIFYNYC" to 692-692, New Yorkers can now easily sign up for crucial updates directly on their phones. Additionally, by entering their zip code when prompted, residents will receive alerts specific to their neighborhoods. "We are committed to making New York City safer every day, but we cannot do that without providing New Yorkers with the most effective and accessible information when an emergency occurs," Mayor Adams stated in a release from the Mayor's Office.
Building on the existing emergency notification infrastructure, the upgraded Notify NYC system leverages a platform known as Nixle, which will specifically now allow residents to swiftly sign up for hyperlocal, timely information.
The Notify NYC initiative aims to encompass all vital updates that can impact daily life in the city, from traffic and transit disruptions to utility outages and emergency conditions. Users will maintain control over what information they receive, with options to specify or opt out of certain alerts related to their subscribed zip codes. Importantly, the service claims to uphold user privacy, stating that personal details and location are kept confidential and not tracked. Besides SMS, the notifications are available through multiple channels including email, social media, and the Notify NYC app.
As part of an awareness push, a $430,000 marketing campaign is set to be launched, showcasing the practical benefits of receiving these alerts. Upcoming advertisements highlight the convenience of receiving real-time updates, including weather alerts and service disruptions. Materials for the campaign aim to widely disseminate the message, employing avenues like YouTube, Google ads, and multilingual printing in public spaces. According to the official announcement, Notify NYC’s efficiency is notable, with an average response time from an incident's start to message issuance being only about six minutes.
Founded in 2007 and rolled out citywide in 2009, Notify NYC has been at the forefront of keeping over 1.2 million New Yorkers informed in real-time, including in 14 different languages. The service, as described by the Mayor's Office, provides more than simple emergency alerts; it represents the city's commitment to the safety and well-being of its residents. For more details or to get started with the service, New Yorkers can visit the Notify NYC website or contact 311.
