Roam Secure

ARLINGTON, Va., April 7 (UPI) -- Officials from Philadelphia and five surrounding counties announced the launch of the largest regional emergency alert system in the United States.

Philadelphia and surrounding counties -- Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Gloucester -- have deployed Virginia-based Cooper Notification's emergency alert network, the Roam Secure Alert Network. The alert system, referred to as ReadyNotifyPA, networks more than 5 million people in the region providing them with notification through e-mail, text messages and by phone among other communication means of any terrorist or other emergency situation.

The launch of Cooper Notification's RSAN marks the second stage of the ReadyNotifyPA alert system. In August 2007 officials announced the establishment of the Southeastern Counter Terrorism Task Force, which is responsible for implementing ReadyNotifyPA.

"Providing information to the public as quickly as possible is one of the most critical factors in saving lives and preventing injuries during an emergency," Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said in a statement. "I am proud to be here with my esteemed colleagues from across the region to announce a public warning system that will greatly enhance emergency response in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties."

ReadyNotifyPA stage two launched