The first real test for the new phone alert that works like 911 in reverse in Walker County didn't quite weather the storm.
Storms barrelled through parts of north Georgia Monday evening leaving behind uprooted trees covering roads and residents without power. A tornado warning had been issued for Walker county, and their new alert Walker system did not work properly. Larry Brooks, Walker County Resource Coordinator said, "As you know what is supposed to happen is that 911 is supposed to call the different numbers, or emails addresses, or whatever it is for people to use to register themselves with the system."
Representatives with Walker County stated that some of the calls came late after the warning had expired. Brooks said, "What we have been told was that the GIS system that is used for mapping the county was not communicating with the data base that actually has all the residence information in it. Walker County contacted the company to find out why there was a glitch in the system and were given steps to fix the issue. The alert is supposed to give weather warnings then follow up with further instructions on where to go to get more information. Brooks said, "I guess next occurrance we'll know a little bit more. At this point everything seems to be in working order, so hopefully those calls will come sort of as a pre-warning to any possible situation whether it be weather or whatever the situation may be."
Walker County residents can sign up online, by phone or by filling out a form at the
Walker County Comissioner's Office.
