Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, or IPAWS, is an integrated alert system that encompasses cellphones, radio, and broadcast television. These alerts notify you about severe weather, AMBER Alerts, and threats to public safety. These messages are sent by authorized agencies to cellular phones in geographically targeted areas.

Customers are not charged for the delivery of IPAWS messages and the alerts resemble a text message.

IPAWS can save lives. Do not ignore the messages. They contain basic information to notify you about a threat. If you receive an IPAWS, seek additional information from a trusted source, such as government agencies or local radio and TV stations.

You do not need to sign up for IPAWS, it is sent out automatically based on geographic location, however you should make sure your phone has the alerts turned on. Below are instructions for Apple and Android phones:

On an Apple/iPhone:

1. Go to settings > Notifications
2. Scroll to the bottom of the screen
3. Under "Government Alerts" turn on alerts for AMBER Alerts, Emergency Alerts and Public Safety Alerts.

On an Android phone:

1. On your Android device, open Settings
2. Tap Notifications and then Wireless emergency alerts
3. Select the alerts you want to receive

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office manages an app that sends information directly to your phone regarding public safety, weather safety, and other Dodge County updates.

Find the app in the app store of your phone under "Dodge County Sheriff's Office (WI) or use this link to go directly to the app for download.

In an emergency situation, every second counts. Dodge County now offers Smart911, a free service that provides 911 operators with critical medical and household information needed during an emergency.

To register, follow these simple steps:

• Visit smart911.com or download the Smart911 App.
• Create your Safety Profile for yourself and your household. (Your information will be kept confidential and only accessible when you dial 9-1-1).
• Smart911 will send a message to your registered email address confirming your account.
• Upon verification, Smart911 will deliver your Safety Profile to 9-1-1 answering centers.

Dodge County will also use this system to send emergency notifications such as drinking water contamination, missing persons or hazardous conditions and non-emergency notifications.

With Smart911, individuals can link both home and work addresses to mobile phones which can be passed on to responders in the field for a more detailed, rapid response. Additional information including pets in the home, vehicle details in the event of an accident and even emergency contacts can all be included in a Safety Profile.

Currently, mobile phones do not provide an address to the 9-1-1 call taker. These emergency situations are often the worst moments of a person’s life and the Safety Profile can speak for you when you might be unable. Individuals are encouraged to create their Safety Profile with Smart911 today to have their information immediately available to 9-1-1 and to receive emergency notifications.

Smart 911 Website

Smart 911 "In the News"

Grove City 911 Dispatcher talks Smart 911

Smart 911 Brochure

Smart 911 Community Presentation [PDF]

A NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Working with the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Alert System, NWR is an “All-Hazards” radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information.

NWR requires a special radio receiver or scanner capable of picking up the signal. A NOAA Weather radio can be purchased at many big box retailers as well as online for around $30-50.