Starkville residents now have access to Starkville Alerts, a new and improved mass-notification system that makes it easy to stay informed about city services, traffic conditions, special events and other local news of interest.
“The new Starkville Alerts system communicates timely, pertinent information to residents that adds value to their everyday lives,” said Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill. “It also gives residents more control over their communications using a variety of tools that match their preferences.”
When residents sign up for Starkville Alerts, they’ll have several options to receive messages—by email, text, voice calls or a combination—and can even select the categories of alerts they’re interested in receiving.
In addition, Starkville Alerts offers geotargeting technology based on residents’ addresses. When alerts involve a specific neighborhood or part of the city, the system will send alerts to residents in affected areas instead of blanketing everyone with messages that may not be relevant.
“Starkville Alerts has much more functionality and flexibility and is easier to use,” said Joel Clements, Starkville’s technology director. “We also integrated Starkville Alerts with the city’s social media platforms to ensure residents have access to consistent and reliable information no matter how they choose to stay informed.”
A multi-departmental team of city employees recently completed training to manage the Starkville Alerts system, which was designed by the city’s website provider, CivicPlus. The system includes these information categories:
Traffic conditions. Starkville Alerts will inform residents of road closures, detours, traffic accidents and related issues so they can find alternate routes to their destinations.
Utility work. When projects are underway that may affect utility services, Starkville Alerts will send updates to residents in affected areas.
Garbage collection. If the schedule is adjusted due to holidays, inclement weather or other impacts, Starkville Alerts will send out new garbage collection dates.
Special events. Starkville Alerts will remind residents of city-sponsored events and other happenings of note in Starkville.
General emergencies. These alerts typically involve emergencies not addressed by the Oktibbeha County CodeRED system. (Learn more about CodeRED at www.oktibbehacountyms.org.)
Residents can sign up for Starkville Alerts at www.cityofstarkville.org. Those who received emails from the legacy system have been automatically enrolled in Starkville Alerts but are encouraged to update their preferences in the new system.
“Keeping residents informed and connected is an important responsibility that helps strengthen our community,” Spruill said. “As we build our experience with Starkville Alerts and gather user feedback, we’ll be able to enhance the system to better serve Starkville residents.”
As the home of Mississippi State University, Starkville is always brimming with activities and excitement, from sporting events, concerts and festivals to vibrant Main Street dining and shopping attractions to the quaint and inviting Cotton District near campus. The city has evolved from one of Mississippi’s most scenic and historically significant locales into a dynamic and modern community that’s routinely named among the best places in America to live, attend college, own a business or retire.