Providence launches online alert system

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - People in Providence will now be able to find out about emergencies through their computer. The City of Providence Monday launched its new FLASHbrief system.

The online emergency notification system provides instant alerts on their computer screens in the event of an emergency.

Once residents and businesses download the FLASHbrief program onto the computer, the Providence Emergency Management Agency will be able to send either emergency alerts for natural or man-made disasters or advisory alerts for street closures, parking bans and Amber Alerts.

"This new tool will provide our emergency response team with the ability to reach thousands of residents incredibly fast, with the click of the mouse," said PEMA Director Peter T. Gaynor. " FLASHbrief will be especially helpful to local businesses who must make important management decisions in the event of an emergency."

To get connected click here . Then enter “Rhode Island”, “Providence County” and “Providence” in the appropriate fields and click “download”. A FLASHbrief icon will appear on the lower, right-hand corner of the computer screen.

FLASHbrief, LLC is headquartered in Orlando, Florida and is comprised of software and network security experts, former military and federal and local law enforcement officials throughout the nation.