Big Island residents encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts

Hawaiʻi County officials encourage Big Island residents to sign up for Civil Defense emergency alerts to stay informed and safe during storms and other disaster events.

Alerts through the Everbridge notification system are issued for natural disasters, road closures and other emergency-related public service announcements.

They can be received via email, text and recorded messages to cellphones and landlines.

“By signing up for our emergency alerts, you will have the information you need to make informed decisions and keep yourself safe,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “These alerts are designed to be accessible to the entire population, whether they have a cellphone or landline, and we encourage everyone to make sure their friends and family members are signed up and connected.”

Click here to get started creating your account.

Users can select which alerts they want to receive and their preferred methods of communication.

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense also launched a new text opt-in feature intended for island visitors but available to everyone. All emergency alerts can now be sent as text messages by texting “HAWAIIALERTS” to 888777.

“Disasters don’t take vacations, and we want to ensure that everyone here is informed during emergencies,” said Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno. “If you have not yet registered, please do so by visiting our website or using this text opt-in feature. If you have family or friends visiting, please encourage them to sign up for these messages. They can opt out as soon as they leave.”

Alerts are also posted on the Civil Defense Facebook and X pages

Click here or call 808-935-0031 for more information.