Recent flooding in Globe, in Gila County, served as a powerful reminder of how critical timely information is during emergencies, Yavapai County officials stated in a press release. During that weather event, the Rave/Smart911 alerting system was successfully used to rebroadcast National Weather Service warnings, issue multiple shelter-in-place notifications and send one evacuation notice — helping keep Globe area residents safe and informed as conditions rapidly changed.
While Yavapai County was deployed to assist with messaging during the incident, local emergency managers emphasize that the same life-saving alerting system is already available here. In addition to Yavapai County, the city of Cottonwood, towns of Camp Verde, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Wickenburg and the city of Prescott all use Rave/ Smart911 to deliver critical alerts during emergencies.
Other Arizona counties including Gila, Coconino, Mohave and Maricopa also rely on the platform for real-time emergency communication.
The Rave Alert system’s capabilities extend far beyond weather warnings. Across the nation, the platform has proven its ability to deliver critical, life-saving warnings and facilitate rapid response, Yavapai County official stated.
The Arizona National Park Service used the system during a Flash Flood Rescue and Immediate Danger Notification. When flash floods put fishermen at severe risk in the Colorado River — with one waist-deep in quicksand — the Rave Alert reportedly notified the individuals. The National Park Service was reportedly able to reach the endangered man before the flood waters fully surged, which Yavapai County officials said demonstrated the system’s ability to deliver targeted, life-saving warnings in high-risk, geographically specific areas.
The platform’s ability to use multiple communication channels ensures unparalleled speed and reach, Yavapai County officials stated.
The Rave Mobile Safety company told Yavapai County officials that Eaton County Central Dispatch, in Michigan reportedly used the Rave SmartSave when a missing 66-year-old subject with dementia could not be located in 2020. A Rave Alert was sent simultaneously utilizing voice, text, common alerting protocol and the Smart911 app. A resident reportedly spotted the subject after receiving the alert, and the individual was located in four minutes, which Rave Mobile Safety said showcases how a single platform can achieve the widest possible community reach.
Yavapai County residents can register for free to receive notifications about weather warnings, evacuation notices and local safety information specific to their community. Users can also add multiple addresses, such as those of family members, workplaces or schools, to stay informed about incidents that may affect loved ones.
The platform also includes a Functional Needs Registry, allowing individuals with disabilities, medical needs or transportation challenges to share important information with local emergency managers. This helps first responders plan for and support the needs of all community members during disasters.
“Emergencies don’t wait, and neither should you,” said Ashley Ahlquist, Yavapai County emergency manager. “By signing up for your local emergency notification system, residents ensure they’re receiving accurate, verified information directly from local officials. It’s one of the simplest and most effective steps anyone can take to be prepared.”
To register, visit YavapaiReady.gov/Alerts and click on your local jurisdiction. Sign-up takes just a few minutes and could make all the difference when every second counts.
