The Central Texas Council of Governments (CTCOG) would like to inform the residents of Central Texas concerning an emergency notification system, FirstCall, currently in use by city, county, state, and federal agencies in our region. FirstCall is a fast, effective, and efficient method for delivering real-time emergency alerts. Through this system, citizens are alerted to emergency situations that may affect their residences, such as a missing child or water main break. Until recently, FirstCall was able to notify only those residents who have landline phones. Today, many Central Texans choose NOT to maintain landline service to their resid-ences in favor of cell phone service. Residents wishing to receive emergency alerts via their cell phones are now able to register with FirstCall for this service. There is no charge, other than normal messaging rates applicable from your cellular provider. There are several avenues in which to register for this notification if enabled:

1. You can register online at www.alertregistration.com/CTCOG or

a. You can register your cell phone number, request SMS messages, or email through this website.

2. You can call toll free (866) 484-3264 to verbally register, be sure to state that you are within CTCOG’s region.

It is important that residents realize that they DO NOT have to go online or call if they only wish to receive notification to their home phone number, as this is currently set up. For more information on FirstCall, you may go to www.firstcall.net.

Questions concerning FirstCall may be directed to Cindy Bridges at (254) 770-2371.