Siren alternatives

In my most recent (at this time also my first!) President's Letter in the BSLA Informer, I mentioned that BSLA is no longer paying for or maintaining the sirens.  As I said, this is not a business that we and many other lake associations feel we should be in, and the cost is prohibitive, especially given the current options available with today's technology.

If you have relied on those in the past, don't be alarmed.  (forgive the pun, please!)  There are alternatives.

For those with smartphones first know your address and visit the appropriate link below to sign up for alerts that will come to your phone.  Note that you WILL need to set up an account.  At the time of this writing there is no charge for either.

STEARNS COUNTY
Everbridge Alerts

TODD COUNTY
Code Red Alerts

Now if you DO NOT HAVE A SMARTPHONE, don't despair - for you can easily just purchase a weather radio (here's a place to order from), or you can still monitor local radio and TV stations. I personally like this one because its solar powered, or AA batteries or Lithium Ion...which means it will still work if the power goes out!

If none of these options work for you, please ask your neighbors to notify you.  And also, if you have elderly, or perhaps technology challenged, neighbors...remember how little effort it takes to be kind and concerned and notify them when you know of an impending weather condition.