The NYSEMO, New York State Emergency Management Office, have set up an SMS service for New Yorkers to receive appropriate hazard alerts and notifications. Through the SMS web interface New York public sector staff can set up emergency alerts and private notifications for New Yorkers. It is claimed the service will help raise public awareness and obtain vital information for the emergency and local government services.

The service received 4.7 million subscribers with 2.3 million opting in to receive related promotional messages. The opt in population covers 64 college campuses and the the New York City University network. The subscription is free and allows subscribers to register one or more mobile devices to receive alerts and notifications.

The alert systems is said to include major road closures, weather warnings and state recommendations with regard to public safety, as well as notification for local governments and universities.

British government bodies could learn a lot from New York's modernisation, local governments could offer a text message support channel and subscriptions for public announcements.