New emergency notification system launched in Antioch area

A new alert system for emergency situations in the Antioch area has been launched.

Hyper-Reach is a telephone-based mass notification system to inform residents and others about emergencies, hazards and other situations in the 60002 ZIP code.

There is no fee for the service, which replaces an aging Blackboard Connect notification system, said Antioch Fire Chief Jon Cokefair. The Antioch First Fire Protection District is partnering with the village and Antioch Township in the service.

"It's a very slick system, and we're pretty excited to roll it out," Cokefair said.

The system is operational and ready for participants to enroll.

"We thought it would be beneficial, not just for the fire district but the entire community," Cokefair added. "It's a value to all three entities."

Notifications will be made using a mix of telephone calls, text and email messages, as well as TTY/TDD service for the hearing-impaired, according to Cokefair.

The system sends thousands of messages to geographically targeted households in seconds, and simultaneously delivers to a larger audience via social media, he said.

Severe weather, environmental hazards, criminal activity, missing persons and armed shooter alerts are examples of its uses.

Participants can choose the types of alerts they want to receive, and alerts can be targeted to a specific area.

"It allows us the ability to pick down to an individual house - how tight or broad we want the alert to be," Cokefair said.

"It's specific to the 60002 ZIP code, but anyone can use it," such as visitors to the Chain 'O Lakes area, he added.

There are several ways to enroll: Scan the QR code on the respective websites; visit http://hyper-reach.com/ilantiochfiresignup.html; call (224) 267-9966; text 'alerts' to 224-267-9966; or tell Alexa, 'Alexa, enable Hyper-Reach.'

Visitors can activate Hyper-Reach using the same steps, but they must enter 835 Holbeck Dr., Station 1, Antioch, IL, 60002 as their address.

Information regarding Hyper-Reach is available on the fire district, village and township websites and will be introduced at community events, Cokefair added.