The Bureau of Homeland Security is currently developing a new statewide emergency notification system. A pilot program is underway now to test and develop the Idaho State Alert and Warning System (ISAWS). ISAWS will allow the Bureau to use many methods not currently available for notifications, such as cell phones, pagers, PDA’s, and home computers via email. The system will also be designed to alert citizens with special needs and English as Second Language (ESL) citizens. Boise County was asked to act as a pilot county for the program, and has agreed to do so. We expect to be able to expand the program to the entire State of Idaho in the next 12-18 months. A voluntary enrollment page for notification via the ISAWS system will soon be available. A link to the registration page will be published soon.

Voluntary Enrollment Now Open to Boise County Residents and Idaho Citizens with Special Needs

The Idaho State Alert and Warning System (ISAWS) program invites Idaho citizens residing in Boise County and all Idaho citizens with special needs to enroll for notification of emergencies and significant events that might affect them. All other Idaho citizens will be invited to enroll following the completion of system testing. Enrollment can be accomplished by visiting the following websites and entering the requested information:

• English
• Spanish
• ISAWS Information Page