To better serve and reach those that need accessible alerts, Kern County is partnering with Deaf Link to provide the Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS). This system enables emergency responders to provide accessible emergency alert messaging for those that are Deaf, Blind, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf / Blind; in addition to those who require messaging in Spanish. Deaf Link will also independently create and display weather watches and warnings that originate from the National Weather Service in all accessible formats. These will be available on Kern County’s AHAS site for viewing but will not be sent out as emergency alerts.
Kern County uses ReadyKern and Genasys Protect to send alert and warning messages to those that are affected by an emergency or disaster, based on their registered geographic location. Every time a ReadyKern message is distributed, a link will be provided for anyone that needs an accessible alert. These messages will be available in American Sign Language (ASL), English and Spanish voice and text via internet and video capable devices. This includes mobile phones and computers. AHAS alerts are also Braille reader accessible.
The messages will include crucial information about an impending or occurring emergency, and what protective actions you should take to keep safe. These messages may be sent before, during or after an emergency.
Working together, Deaf Link, ReadyKern and Genasys Protect may help ensure that alert and warning messaging reaches our whole community during times of emergency or disaster.
To begin receiving accessible emergency alerts and warnings, become a registered user of ReadyKern at the ReadyKern link in the text below.
To download the Genasys Protect App for your device, follow Genasys Protect at the Genasys Protect link in the text below
ReadyKern - Sign In: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085613244/login
Genasys Protect: https://protect.genasys.com/download