BC Alert Emergency Notification
BC Alert is the official Emergency Notification System designed to keep our citizens informed during emergencies such as weather alerts, warnings, and other critical situations. While the City of Highfill uses storm sirens for tornado alerts, these sirens are intended for those outdoors and may not be heard from inside homes or businesses. BC Alert provides an alternative by notifying individuals anywhere via cell phone, home phone, email, and more. You can sign up for these alerts through the link provided.
Why should I sign up for alert notifications?
BC Alert provides timely information during emergencies, including instructions on what to do and how to stay safe. Notifications can be received via text, email, cell phone, home phone, work phone, instant messaging, or fax, ensuring you have instant access to vital information no matter where you are.
How is BC Alert Different from Previous Notification Systems?
The new BC Alert system offers greater flexibility and customization than ever before. You can choose which types of notifications to receive, decide how you want to be notified, and set specific times of the day when you’d prefer to block notifications. Alerts can be tailored by location—whether by zip code, street address, or a radius around a specific point—allowing you to receive alerts for both your home and work locations. This system also offers a wider range of notification topics compared to previous systems, ensuring you’re always informed.
How Often Will I Receive Alerts?
The frequency of alerts depends on the types you sign up for and the occurrence of emergencies. For instance, you may receive frequent community information alerts, but fewer severe weather notifications. If you find you’re getting too many or too few alerts, you can adjust your preferences at any time. You can also set “quiet times” when you won’t receive any notifications.
Is it free to sign-up?
Yes, signing up for BC Alert is completely free. However, standard messaging and data rates may apply depending on your wireless plan. Please check with your provider for details.
Will my personal information be kept private?
Yes, Benton County values your privacy. Your email address and phone number will never be sold or shared. The information you provide is only used to send you the alert notifications you sign up for.
What types of Alerts will I receive?
When signing up, you can select the types of alerts you wish to receive, including:
- Major emergency alerts (e.g., terrorism or natural disasters)
- Benton County weather alerts and warnings
- Community information alerts (e.g., road closures, events)
- AMBER alerts
For a complete list of available alerts, please visit the About Alerts page on the BC Alert website.
How will I receive alerts?
In an emergency, BC Alert will send notifications directly to the devices you’ve registered. These alerts will provide important information and may include instructions on what action to take. It’s important to keep your devices nearby, as follow-up alerts may be issued.
How do I sign up for BC Alert?
Signing up is easy! Simply visit the Sign Up page on the BC Alert website and follow the instructions. You can register multiple devices to receive alerts, and all devices will receive notifications for the same account.
What happens if I sign up for alerts from multiple jurisdictions?
If you sign up for alerts from more than one jurisdiction, such as both the city and the county, you will receive separate notifications from each jurisdiction’s alert system. Each system operates independently and will send alerts to the registered users in their network.
Who sends out alerts?
Alerts are sent by designated officials from each local jurisdiction. Depending on the nature of the emergency, alerts may be sent to everyone in the area or targeted to specific groups of individuals.
Stay informed and safe by signing up for BC Alert today!
Plan Ahead for Disasters
Plan ahead for disasters with Ready.gov
Floods
If you encounter a flooded road or path, remember: turn around, don’t drown!
Flooding occurs when water temporarily overflows onto normally dry land, and it’s the most common natural disaster in the United States. Not evacuating flood-prone areas or entering floodwaters can result in serious injury or even death.
Click here for resources and information from Ready.gov.
Find Your Flood Map
The first step to understanding your area’s risks is to review flood maps.
Thunderstorms and Lightening
Thunderstorms are frequent and can be hazardous, often bringing strong winds, flash floods, hail, and dangerous lightning.
Winter Weather
Being #WinterReady means knowing the winter risks in your area and taking steps now to prepare.
Make a Plan Form
Create a family communication plan quickly and easily using our fillable form.
Build A Kit
Ensure your emergency kit is stocked with essential items.
Click here for resources and information from Ready.gov.
Click here for resources and information from the American Red Cross.
FEMA Mobile App
Download the newly updated FEMA App for preparedness tips and real-time weather and emergency alerts.
Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Benton County Hazard Mitigation Plan offers guidance to significantly and permanently reduce the vulnerability of Benton County and its communities to natural hazards. Every five years, Benton County updates this plan, with participation and adoption by the City of Highfill through a formal resolution. The revised plan builds on the original mission, incorporating advancements in GIS technology, refining risk assessment methods, and updating mitigation strategies based on the evaluation of the previous plan. Adoption of the plan also enables access to various FEMA grant funding programs. Additionally, it aims to promote responsible public policies to protect citizens, critical infrastructure, private property, and the natural environment.
Resolution 09-2022 Hazard Mitigation Plan