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McCreary County approves Rave Communications mass-notification contract for emergency alerts
Summary
The McCreary County Fiscal Court approved a contract with Rave Communications to provide a multi-channel mass-notification system (first-year cost $4,500 including setup; ongoing costs and contract term discussed). EMA director outlined app, cell-tower alerts and plans for complementary weather radios and outreach.
The McCreary County Fiscal Court voted April 16 to approve a contract with Rave Communications for a mass-notification system intended to send emergency alerts and community notices.
EMA Director Steven McKinney described the system as an app-based platform that residents can sign up for and that also supports cell-tower-based alerts for people who have not registered. "Basically, this will be an electronic notification that citizens can sign up for here in [the county]," McKinney said, explaining that the system integrates with the National Weather Service and can deliver voice calls, texts and emails.
Contract and cost: McKinney said the first-year cost including setup would be $4,500, with recurring costs thereafter estimated at $3,500; he described the vendor’s proposal as a 60-month contract that would convert to a monthly subscription after the term. McKinney also said the county has applied for a grant through Lake Cumberland Area Development to buy weather radios targeted to older residents and people who do not use smartphone apps.
Complementary measures: Court members discussed layered notification strategies — the Rave system paired with public education, radio and print outreach, and possible sirens at fire stations — to maximize coverage. McKinney noted customer support and in-person sign-up assistance would be available for residents who need help enrolling.
Vote: The court moved and approved the contract by roll call (recorded votes: Mister Strum — Yay; Mister Hale — Yay; Mister Taylor — Yay; Mister Maxwell — Yay; Judge Green — Yay).
Next steps: Implementation will include outreach to help residents sign up, pursuit of grant funding for weather radios, and coordination between emergency management and county communications.
