Stay informed with Wrenford Alerts
Wrenford Alerts is the City's free emergency notification system. It helps us reach you directly during emergencies and critical incidents. You will get real-time updates about severe weather, evacuation orders, water main breaks, power outages, and other public safety issues. Sign up to receive alerts by text message, email, phone call, or through the Wrenford Alerts mobile app.
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How to sign up
Signing up is quick. Visit the Wrenford Alerts sign-up page and choose your preferred way to get alerts. Enter your contact information and follow the prompts. You can add multiple methods, like a text message and an email address, so you never miss an important update.
Which notification method should I use?
Choose the method that works best for your daily routine. We recommend signing up for at least two methods. Using two channels makes sure you get the message even if one service is delayed or goes down. The mobile app is a strong option because it can also send push notifications. Remember to turn on sound and notifications in your phone settings for the app.
Which locations should I follow?
Make sure you add Wrenford to your profile so you receive city-wide alerts. You can also add specific neighbourhoods where you live, work, or spend time, such as Downtown, Benchlands, or Ambrel Lake. If you use the mobile app, you can turn on the "Follow Me" feature. This automatically tracks your current location and sends alerts for wherever you are in the city.
What types of alerts will I receive?
The City uses three alert levels:
- Critical alerts: Used for active emergencies that need immediate action or attention, like an evacuation order or a dangerous road closure. These cannot be turned off.
- Advisory alerts: Used for situations that may get worse, giving you time to prepare. This includes things like a boil water advisory or a major transit disruption.
- Information alerts: Used to keep you updated on news and ongoing events in your area.
How often will I receive alerts?
You will only receive alerts when there is an emergency or important public safety information to share. The number of alerts depends on what is happening in your area. You control how many you get by selecting fewer locations or turning off advisory alerts in your profile. Critical alerts will always come through.
Why didn't I receive an alert?
Check a few common reasons first. Make sure the correct location is added in your app settings. If your phone was on silent or in Do Not Disturb mode, you might not have heard the alert. Turn on "Override Silent Mode" in the app settings so critical alerts are audible. A weak cell or Wi-Fi connection can also delay delivery. If you are unsure whether an alert was sent, check the Service Alerts page.
Does the app drain my battery?
The app uses a small amount of battery power, mainly if you have the "Follow Me" location tracking turned on. If battery life is a concern, turn off "Follow Me" in the settings. You will still get alerts for any locations you added manually.
What if I travel outside Wrenford?
You will always receive alerts for the locations you manually added in your profile, no matter where you travel. If you want to get alerts for your current location while travelling, turn on the "Follow Me" setting. You can also add the destination city or neighbourhood to your profile.
Need help?
If you have questions about the alert system or need help registering, contact the Community Resilience team at [email protected] or call 519-555-0100.