Alerts — Weston County outlines emergency alert system, urges residents to sign up for RAVE
Weston County Emergency Management officials are reminding residents of the multiple ways to receive alerts about severe weather, wildfires, escapes and other emergencies — and they’re urging everyone to sign up for the county’s RAVE Smart911 alert system.
The county uses a mix of sirens, social media, radio and television to reach residents during emergencies, according to Gilbert Nelson, the county’s emergency management coordinator. Each siren tone carries a different meaning, and dispatchers can speak over the sirens to give directions when necessary.
“Depending on the incident, we may use IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert Warning System), contact regional news outlets, and notify the National Weather Service to place messages on TV screens and NOAA weather radios,” Nelson said. “Different events require different notification protocols. Please keep in mind that coordinated messaging takes time. We try to issue one accurate message across all platforms, and our team is small. In high-pressure situations, it is possible that an outlet may be missed, but no platform or organization is ever intentionally excluded.”
Information is shared through the Weston County Emergency Management and Newcastle Police Department Facebook pages, as well as with KASL Radio, the Weston County Gazette and the News Letter Journal. Regional stations such as KEVN and KOTA are notified as incidents develop.
Sirens and storm alerts
Sirens are sounded only in specific situations, such as when a confirmed tornado is within 5 miles of a community such as Upton, Osage or Newcastle. Once activated, additional notifications are sent through RAVE and social media.
Upton will soon have a second siren installed to expand coverage, Nelson said. A list of storm shelters is available on the emergency management website and is reposted on social media each storm season.
Special populations and accessibility
Reaching residents without internet access or smart phones remains a challenge, Nelson said. In addition to the sirens, the county relies on NOAA weather radios, local TV and radio, and even printed notices when possible. NOAA is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a federal agency.
The RAVE system allows alerts to be issued in Spanish and can include text-based notifications for people who are hearing impaired, using National Weather Service messages displayed on television screens.
Identifying residents with access and functional needs — such as those who use oxygen or need evacuation help — is an ongoing effort. Emergency management has tried several methods, including county wide mailers and forms distributed through Weston County Home Health.
“This is something we’ve been working on the entire six years I’ve been here,” Nelson said. “It’s difficult to identify who needs help unless they tell us, but we’re now partnering with Public Health and Home Health to better track that information.”
Residents can also add personal details — such as medical needs, mobility issues or pets — directly to their RAVE Smart911 profiles. That information appears on the dispatcher’s screen if the resident calls 911 and is kept confidential.
Preparedness and coordination
Emergency management works closely with first responders, law enforcement and local agencies to develop and update response plans. While specific details of those plans aren’t released publicly for safety reasons, Nelson said, they are in place and regularly reviewed.
In Weston County, specific protocols guide how and when emergency alerts are issued, particularly in sensitive situations, such as inmate escapes or hazardous materials incidents, he said. Before sirens are activated, information is first distributed to local news outlets and social media platforms so residents can access accurate details without overwhelming dispatch with phone calls.
Emergency management staff work closely with other agencies to coordinate public communication. Because the county doesn’t have dedicated fact-checkers, departments collaborate to ensure that only one unified and accurate message is released across all channels. Initial messages may be brief and followed by more detailed updates as verified information becomes available. The goal is to prioritize accuracy and consistency in messaging over speed, reducing the chance of confusion or conflicting reports during emergencies.
The county’s dispatch center is also preparing to install a new generator, ensuring that alerts can still be issued during power outages.
How to stay informed
Residents are encouraged to sign up for the RAVE Smart911 system through the county’s Homeland Security web page at westongov.com/homeland-security. Those with questions or technical issues can contact Weston County Emergency Management at 307-746-4315.
Anyone with ideas, questions or interest in volunteering is welcome to visit the emergency management office.
“We’re always looking for community involvement,” Nelson said. “Help is always appreciated.”