El Mirage launches opt-in CivicReady mass-notification system; messages begin July 1

El Mirage announced on June 17 that residents can now opt in to receive emergency and non-emergency alerts from the city via CivicReady, the Civic Plus mass-notification platform.

Carrie Sliva, the city’s public information officer and marketing and communications lead, told the council the system allows residents to receive alerts via text, email and phone and that signing up for all three channels is recommended. She explained keyword signups for text messages: to receive only emergency-alert texts residents can text “ElMirage” (one word) to 38276; to receive all groups, text “elmirage all” to 38276.

Sliva said the city has four topical lists residents may join: emergency alerts; city news and updates; parks, recreation and festivals; and business notices. The system also integrates with the MyAlert mobile app, which can deliver location-based messages for people who travel seasonally. Sliva said the city expects to begin sending outgoing welcome messages on July 1 and aims to enable iPAWS (Integrated Public Alert and Warning System) integration in January.

Mayor Alexis Edemosillo and councilmembers welcomed the announcement and encouraged residents to sign up. “We encourage everyone to sign up,” Sliva said. She noted a planned marketing push to publicize the service.

Why it matters: An opt-in mass-notification system gives the city direct channels to notify residents of emergencies, public-safety incidents and city services. The city emphasized multiple sign-up methods and the ability to tailor messages by topical list.

Action taken: Informational item; no council vote required.