By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
To improve timely and accurate communication during emergencies, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has launched CKAlert, a new emergency notification system for residents.
Chatham-Kent has launched CKAlert, a voluntary emergency notification system designed to keep residents informed about emergencies and severe weather.
Introduced at the March 3 council meeting, CKAlert will deliver real-time alerts for emergencies such as flooding, boil water advisories and emergency bridge closures. Unlike the federal Alert Ready system, residents will only receive notifications if they sign up.
Residents can register for CKAlert at www.ckalert.ca or through the municipality’s website.
The free, customizable service allows residents to choose how they receive alerts — by text message, email or prerecorded phone call to a landline — ensuring people of all ages and abilities can access critical information.
“During times of emergency, every second counts. We’re always looking for the fastest, most accessible way to reach residents with accurate information,” said Eric Labadie, Chatham-Kent’s manager of corporate communications.
“CKAlert provides a way for residents to receive updates immediately when an emergency takes place, directly to the device of their choosing, to make informed decisions to stay safe.”
The service is operated directly by the municipality and will be provided at no cost to taxpayers for the next five years, thanks to provincial funding secured by Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue.
