The Community Alert Online web site provides citizens with information in both emergency and nonemergency situations. When an emergency has been declared by the appropriate emergency officials, the site highlights information provided by that agency (for example, the county emergency management agency), the county or district board of education, or the Department of Homeland Security.

Sample Alert:

Community Alert Online started as both a response to the devastating floods of 2004 in Wheeling and Ohio County and as an ongoing effort among several organizations to better prepare the community for a homeland security incident as well as natural or technological disasters.

Funded initially through a startup grant from the Alcoa Foundation, the site was developed through Wheeling Jesuit University and its Center for Educational Technologies^&<74; and National Technology Transfer Center. A number of partners—the Wheeling-Ohio County Emergency Management Agency, the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department, the International Union of Operating Engineers, Ohio County Schools, and the West Virginia National Guard—worked to make this a comprehensive site that gives you tips for avoiding disasters in the first place as well as instructions on what to do if one does occur.

Community Alert Online is a work in progress. It has to be, thanks to the ever-changing nature of homeland security. If you think we've overlooked your organization or you have something to contribute, we'd like to hear from you.

We hope you find the site to be a one-stop shop for community alert issues, be it weather warnings, school closings, or even tips on dealing with bug bites. Perhaps this site can leave Ohio County better prepared should something as devastating as the floods of 2004 loom again.