Anoka County Launches Everbridge Emergency Alert System to Deliver Faster, Targeted Notifications

ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. — The Anoka County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) – 911 has officially launched Everbridge, a next-generation emergency alert and mass notification system that delivers faster, more localized, and multi-channel emergency alerts to residents and businesses. The system represents a major upgrade in how the county communicates during critical incidents — prioritizing speed, precision, and reliability in public safety messaging.

Smarter, More Targeted Alerts

The Everbridge platform replaces the county’s previous alert system with a powerful geo-targeted notification tool capable of issuing alerts only to specific, affected areas rather than the entire county.
This means residents will receive relevant, location-specific notifications for emergencies such as hazardous road or traffic conditions, boil-water advisories, evacuation notices, and severe weather threats.
By reducing unnecessary countywide alerts, officials hope to minimize “alert fatigue” and ensure residents respond quickly when warnings matter most.

Multi-Channel Delivery for Maximum Reach

With Everbridge, Anoka County can now deliver alerts through multiple communication channels — including telephone calls, text messages, emails, and social media — ensuring that urgent information reaches residents wherever they are.
This expanded coverage helps bridge communication gaps during fast-evolving emergencies, giving citizens multiple ways to stay informed.

Integrated with FEMA’s IPAWS for Federal-Standard Alerts

A key feature of the Everbridge rollout is its integration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).
This integration allows the county to send official Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) directly to mobile devices — the same system used for Amber Alerts and national emergency notifications.
Only trained and authorized officials at the ECC can issue such alerts, ensuring message accuracy, authenticity, and compliance with FEMA’s strict criteria.

“Community Alerting” Feature in Development

Looking to the future, Anoka County plans to expand Everbridge’s capabilities with a forthcoming “Community Alerting” feature — an opt-in program that will allow residents to receive customized, location-specific notifications based on personal preferences.
According to Anoka County Commissioner Julie Braastad, “Community Alerts will be an opt-in resource available to residents. We’re working closely with public safety partners to develop criteria for the community alerting platform. The overall goal is for the ECC to reach the right people in a timely manner with accurate messages that enhance public safety in our area.”

Modernizing Public Safety Communication

Earlier this year, the Anoka County Board approved a $277,000 contract with Everbridge to overhaul and modernize the county’s emergency notification infrastructure — underscoring the board’s commitment to strengthening public safety, emergency readiness, and community resilience.

The digital transformation promises to fine-tune how Anoka County communicates in times of crisis, ensuring residents receive reliable, real-time updates that can help save lives and protect property.

Residents are encouraged to keep their contact information up to date with the county and watch for future updates about the Community Alerting opt-in program.

For more information, visit AnokaCountyMN.gov.

MinneapoliMedia