Lake County launched a new emergency notification system last week. 

  • New AlertLake system
  • Allows the county to sent text messages
  • Includes an interactive app

Officials say AlertLake is the most advanced service the county has ever had.

Before, the county could only call residents who signed up on their home phone or a cell, but could not send out any text alerts.

This new system can send out texts and it also comes with an interactive app that allows you to send a message back.

It will be used for any emergency, like a road closure, a brush fire, an active shooter or a terror attack.

Captain Robert Tempesta worked during the deadly Lake County tornadoes in 2007 and says the system would have been beneficial back then.

"Any tool possible to alert residents is going to be vital in evacuation or some sort of planning," said Tempesta.

The new system did not cost the county any money since it came from the state. Marion County is also now using the same system.