McLean County officials are inviting citizens to sign up for emergency alerts via text message, email, pager, or voice mail. It’s part of the new McLean County Community Notification System, and they are collecting contact information. According to a news release, the system is intended to be used for emergency alerts, as well as non-emergency incidents that may have significant impacts to residents. Emergency Alerts could be related to specific hazards that require some kind of action be taken such as evacuation, shelter in place, boil water orders, etc. Non-emergency alerts could include significant transportation problems with prolonged impacts or significant ongoing police or fire activity. This list is not meant to be all inclusive, and demonstrates that this system will not be used for routine information. In addition to receiving information on wireless devices, residents can also receive notification on a land telephone line if they have one. Citizens are asked to visit http://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/?regionid=1207 and provide their address and preferred methods of contact. These alerts are provided free of charge, however standard text messaging rates and other charges may apply.