Latest news with #CommunitySafety
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Washington County just upgraded its emergency alert system. Are you signed up?
Washington County has launched a new emergency notification system, WashCoMD Alerts, to keep residents informed and safe, according to an announcement. The new system, powered by Smart911, replaces the county's previous system, Everbridge, and aims to offer faster and more reliable communication during emergencies. WashCoMD Alerts will deliver real-time notifications about critical events, including infrastructure outages, severe weather, major traffic incidents, evacuations, major crimes and missing persons, according to the announcement. Current users of the Everbridge system will have their data transferred to the new system, but all new contacts will require user confirmation to receive email alerts. Upon upload of public data, users will receive an automated confirmation email with a link to verify their account and consent to receive emails from Washington County. Residents not currently enrolled can register to receive alerts by texting "WashCoMD" to 226787 or by going to and following the prompts. Registration is free. 'We're committed to keeping our community safe and informed,' Alan Matheny, director of emergency management and communications, said in the release. 'WashCoMD Alerts gives us a more advanced, efficient way to reach residents quickly in emergency situations. This upgrade ensures timely and accurate information is always just a text away.' Through integration with Smart911, users can also create a free Safety Profile that provides 9-1-1 and emergency responders with important personal details, including medical conditions, home addresses and emergency contacts. For more information, contact Washington County's Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or pr@ This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at The Herald-Mail is growing its local news: Send your news to us This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: New WashCoMD Alerts system promises faster emergency updates
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Chatham County Police reminds public of golf cart rules
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) — Officials are reminding folks of the rules of the road when it comes to golf carts in unincorporated Chatham County. Golf carts may only be operated on public roadways in communities approved by the county. Only the Landings, Isle of Hope, Burnside Island and Bradley Point Road are approved communities, the official said. If you are in a designated area, there are still rules that have to be followed. To operate a golf cart, you must have a valid driver's license, and owners must carry liability insurance or homeowner's insurance with a rider that provides coverage for the golf cart. Golf carts can also only drive on streets where the posted speed limit is 25 mph or below and golf cart speeds can't exceed 25 mph. Even in approved areas, golf carts cannot be operated after 9 p.m. Golf carts must also be equipped with the following safety features: Power switch Brakes Horn Back-up warning system Rear window mirror Headlights and taillights Turn signal Seat belt hip restraints Golf cart owners and operators are encouraged to review the Chatham County ordinance detailing the use of motorized carts by visiting the county code by found on the Chatham County website, officials said. You can also find information about how your neighborhood can become a designated golf cart-approved community on the county website, Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
08-06-2025
- Health
- CBC
Youth group in Timmins, Ont., creates QR code to link teens to mental health, social services support
Youth in Timmins, Ont., are now able to connect to a variety of youth support services in one place through the use of a single QR code. The QR code was developed by a group of youth, aged 13 to 18, through Timmins Youth Connect, as part of the City of Timmins' Community Safety and Well-being Strategy. It links users to websites or profiles of 27 partner agencies and organizations so they can find support for a variety of concerns. Community members can access mental health and crisis support, as well as information on education, Indigenous and cultural services, employment, and harm reduction and well-being services. The QR code initiative was created after teens working with Timmins Youth Connect told city staff there was a gap in awareness of available services and access to them in the community. "We kept hearing from young people that services were hard to access or that it was confusing and they weren't able to figure out what was available or how to reach it," said Meagan Baranyk, community programs manager for the City of Timmins. "We asked members of Timmins Youth Connect what we could do now to help improve awareness and drive participation. They came up with an idea for a simple QR code linking to services on one easy-to-access site." Baranyk said the youth were actively involved in designing the QR code's site layout, section titles and wording, and they gave user feedback throughout the process. Baranyk's team and Timmins Youth Connect have been spreading the word about the QR code by visiting local schools. She said they're ensuring the code is visible and easy to access by wearing and handing out t-shirts and stickers showcasing the code to young people. Since the QR code's launch on May 30, it has been scanned by more than 200 users. "So, we are seeing that the code is being accessed, we see that it's working," said Krista Green, manager of school health, substance use and mental health and harm reduction at Northeastern Public Health. "We have heard a lot, like, 'I had no idea I could go to this person' or 'I had no idea that I was able to call here and get support right away.' So, it's been really nice to hear that it has been successful that way and that they are using it." The health unit's Planet Youth Coalition is a partnering agency and worked with Timmins Youth Connect to develop the QR code. Green said they heard directly from youth about some of the biggest challenges they are facing and used the feedback when developing the QR code. "Kids are worried about what life looks like after high school. They're worried about their academic futures. They're worried about being good enough or smart enough or have enough money for school. They're worried about food security. They're worried about housing. They're worried about really big things," explained Green. She said now having a "one-stop-shop" for teens, parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, and professionals to link directly to services and information is beneficial to helping more young people feel connected and heard. "I think it's an excellent initiative and I hope to see it grow and continue to be promoted. It's important."
CNN
03-06-2025
- General
- CNN
Three attacks in two months: Why American Jews are on edge
CNN's Bianna Golodryga breaks down the three high-profile recent attacks on Jewish elected officials, diplomats and community events that are putting American Jews and government officials on edge.
CNN
03-06-2025
- General
- CNN
Three attacks in two months: Why American Jews are on edge
CNN's Bianna Golodryga breaks down the three high-profile recent attacks on Jewish elected officials, diplomats and community events that are putting American Jews and government officials on edge.
