Ohio County has activated a new warning system in case of weather and other emergencies.

That’s what 9-1-1 coordinator Joe Teke reported Wednesday, Jan. 18 and just in time for its first test of the season.

Little did he know that the timing of the new Rapid Notify System would be used just two days later as freezing rain hit the area and the first phone calls to residents went out on Friday, Jan. 20, alerting everyone of the winter storm warning.

The new notification system goes directly to all residents with landline phones but if residents only use their cell phones they may add up to two cell numbers and an e-mail address for notification. Also, unlisted numbers can be put into the Ohio County Communications Center database.

The first warning went out with an additional follow up as a reported 3000 calls were made in 13 minutes.

There were some phones that received more than one notification because of duplicate numbers in the system but those type of bugs are being worked out, reported Teke.

The purpose of the system is to warn residents of possible hazards including large fires, chemical spills, contaminated water, missing person alerts, evacuation notice and other major emergencies.

The registration of cell phone numbers could be a big help to motorists when announcements are made for road closings or highway work.

“Overall, we’ve had positive feedback,” added Teke.

Everyone is urged to put together an emergency plan.

The school system has utilized a similar mass notification system for its teachers and students.