"Text messaging plan for emergency alerts"

This in today's Chronicle. You can register at alertsf.org.

Cell phone text messaging isn't just for tech-savvy teenagers. Officials in San Francisco hope it will help save lives in the event of an emergency.

In a new program announced Tuesday, the 17th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, the city will send text messages to the cell phones of anyone who registers for the service, which will provide post-disaster information, such as where to find emergency shelters, or even tsunami warnings or terror alerts.

People could learn about evacuation routes and approaching severe weather, while teams of emergency workers could receive directions on response needs. Users of the service could indicate ZIP codes and addresses of concern to them and receive alerts targeted to those locations.

Text messaging has proven a reliable way to communicate during emergencies, including Hurricane Katrina, when phone lines are down and there is no electricity.

The service is free. To register visit www.alertsf.org.