Interesting New Twist on Alerting Program

The State of New Jersey has announced that it is "re-introducing" its public alert and warning system. "New Jersey Alert" does the typical things of services of this type: allows residents to sign up to get text message and telephone call alerts.

But, here's something rather cool we've not seen before. As residents sign up for New Jersey Alert, they can also sign up to provide professional assistance to responders. New Jersey calls it The Human Emergency Grid™.

The Grid's creator is a volunteer organization called United Alert, which used the following words to explain: "....a collaborative effort in which the general public can volunteer their professional expertise to assist responders, if needed, in the event of an emergency. The service can also be used as a social networking tool. For example many groups have already been created to promote a collaborative environment between the government, private sectors and general public."

Now, that's the type of creativity we like. It consolidates the alert and warning program with another program. What would be some other possible links to alert and warning we've not seen?

All the best,

Rick