AlertPA, an emergency notification system helps provide Pennsylvanians with timely information during an urgent situation.

AlertPA is a system that helps officials quickly send emergency text and email alerts, and other important notifications, to users to assist them in making informed decisions. Individuals can register for AlertPA by going to pa.gov and clicking on Alerts & Advisories.

Users can choose the method of notification, pager, text or email, and select what type of information to receive.

Emergency alerts include information on incidents involving toxic chemicals, nuclear power plants, failure of large dams, weather, public health notifications, airport delays, consumer product recalls, prison notifications and more.

In an effort to reach as many people as possible during a prison emergency, the Department of Corrections is enhancing its present notification system by using AlertPA.

The AlertPA Web site contains a "Frequently Asked Questions" page and a section outlining terms of services. Interested individuals should review this information to ensure they are fully informed of services the system provides and any responsibilities placed upon the user, including the need to have text messaging on their cell phone accounts.

Residents who are interested in prison alerts but do not have access to the Internet, may contact their nearest state correctional institution's critical incident manager to have their names and phone numbers added to the AlertPA system in order to receive voice messages.

Another way to verify a prison emergency is by calling 1-888-316-8950.