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From a press release...

As the winter storm season continues, the Branson Fire Department would like to remind Branson Residents and Businesses to register for BransonAlerts emergency notification system. BransonALERTS will provide emergency and other critical information to Branson residents and businesses on land-line phones, cell phones, text enabled cell phones, and e-mail.

All land-line phones registered on the 9-1-1 data base, in the white pages and yellow pages will be registered automatically for emergency messages launched by the City. “To receive emergency or other critical messages from the city including severe weather alerts on cell phones, text messaging, e-mail, or TDDY for the hearing impaired, those numbers and emails must be signed up,” added Martin. This service is provided at no direct cost from the City. Standard cell phone and text messaging rates of the customer will apply.

Residents and businesses in the city limits of Branson may register as many devices as desired, and may register a primary address as well as a secondary address. “This secondary address allows people to be notified of calls launched by the City that they have an interest in, an example might include their business, a child care center, or school,” stated Martin.

To sign up for BransonALERTS go to the City of Branson website at www.BransonMO.gov. Click on the link BransonALERTS and then click on Create New Account. For community members needing assistance contact the Fire Department at (417) 243-2790 or e-mail BransonEMA@bransonmo.gov.

The Branson Fire Department recommends several more tips when preparing for severe weather:

Become familiar with the key terms used by the National Weather Service. Remember that
a winter storm watch means simply to watch the sky and to monitor changes in weather
conditions. A winter storm warning means to take shelter immediately.
One key tool to stay informed is by using the resources of an All Hazard Risk Radio. These
radios provide instant and up-to-date weather information and severe weather warnings
provided by the National Weather Service and may be programmed to activate for the
specific county that you live in. These radios may be purchased for around $30.00 at many
retailers. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with water, warm clothes, a flashlight and other emergency supplies, in case you or your family are stranded away from home in severe weather.

As a final note, the City of Branson has been designated as a “Storm Ready Community” by the National Weather Service in Springfield. This certification was obtained after the fire department demonstrated its ability to secure redundant warning systems, established education programs for the community, and the ability to deliver timely weather information for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash flooding, and even severe winter weather warnings. The City of Branson was the eighth City in Missouri to be designated “Storm Ready.”