Alert Pinellas FAQs

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What is Alert Pinellas and why is it important to me?

Alert Pinellas is an emergency notification service by which public safety managers can notify residents and businesses in a variety of ways including: cell phone, home and work phones, text messaging or email about emergency situations. The system is capable of sending messages to specific neighborhoods or the entire community.

Do I need to create my own account?

Yes, you will need to create your own account to take advantage of the options that are available to users of the service.

What options are available? Can I change my settings?

You can enter up to four different phone numbers to be called, two numbers for text notifications and/or two email addresses. You can also enter up to five different locations to make sure you know about urgent news in the areas of the county that you care most about, such as home, school, work, etc.

You can log into your account to change your settings at any time.

How will Alert Pinellas be used?

Pinellas County uses Alert Pinellas when emergency situations arise that you should know about. A few examples of situations that would require Alert Pinellas messages include severe weather situations, evacuation notices, fires, floods, major roadway issues and boil water notices. Weather notifications and warnings are automatically sent based on National Weather Service warning information. 

Why do I need Alert Pinellas when I have the internet and TV to keep me informed?

 Alert Pinellas provides an additional level of safety. If power goes out, you may not be able to depend upon your TV or the internet. Text messages often work when all other communications do not. Alert Pinellas notifications also come directly from public safety officials. You should always have at least two ways of staying connected to emergency information.

What if my phone number or email address changes?

To update your information, sign into your account here.

Why do I need to provide my location?

Critical life-saving information, such as Tornado Warnings, are sent out based on location, which is why a location is required. You can provide up to five locations, such as your home, work, school or other location in Pinellas County that is important to you.   

Will my information be shared with others?

No. The information you provide is protected by Florida State Statutes 119.071(5)(j) and will be used for notification purposes only. We will not sell your contact or location information, and it will not be subject to public records requests.

How will I recognize an Alert Pinellas call?

Alert Pinellas calls will come from the phone number (727) 464-4222. We suggest you save this number in your cell phone as a new contact and use “Alert Pinellas” as the contact name. 

What should I do if I receive an Alert Pinellas message?

Listen carefully to the entire message. Follow the instructions given. You may be directed to a website or a phone number for further information. Do not hang up until you have heard the entire message or you might miss vital information. Do not call 9-1-1 for further information.

Will Alert Pinellas leave a voicemail?

Yes, Alert Pinellas will leave a voicemail if you don’t answer the call.

If a notification is sent out, is it guaranteed I will receive it if I register?

When the emergency notification is activated, the system will make several attempts to reach the registered numbers. Depending on the emergency, phone systems may be inundated with calls and your provider may not be able to deliver the message. We do not assume legal responsibility for technical difficulties that may result in notification failures.

Will this cost me anything?

Pinellas County offers this service for free. If you choose to receive a notice by text message, your service provider’s normal text messaging fees will apply.