The Oceanside Police Department officially retired its Nixle Alert System on Friday, March 24, in favor of the new Ready Oceanside program, and city authorities are encouraging people to sign up for it.

“Ready Oceanside enables first responders to notify the community in real-time,” Police Chief Fred Armijo said in a news release announcing the system’s launch. “This service allows for critical communication with the public and provides individuals with the information needed to stay safe or take precautions during hazardous or emergency situations.”

The Ready Oceanside alert system is a free service where residents and visitors can receive notifications sent from state and local authorities, according to the Police Department’s news release. Features include text, email and voice alerts including maps, images and multiple languages. Police activity, road closures, weather-related issues and other emergencies will be reported through the system.

“When our community has verified information about a situation, such as a natural disaster or public safety emergency, they can be more effective in taking appropriate measures to guard their safety and assist their family and neighbors in doing the same,” Oceanside Police Public Information Officer Jennifer Atenza said in the announcement. “We know emergencies are not a matter of if, they are a matter of when, and when they occur, we want to empower our residents and visitors to be best informed and prepared. We encourage all who live, work, and visit Oceanside to sign up for Ready Oceanside alerts today to stay connected.”

Funding for the program was provided through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the Police Department stated.

“Ready Oceanside enables first responders to notify the community in real-time,” Police Chief Fred Armijo said in the announcement. “This service allows for critical communication with the public and provides individuals with the information needed to stay safe or take precautions during hazardous or emergency situations.”

Residents and travelers can sign up for Ready Oceanside for free at smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=oceansideca or by texting “Oceanside” to 67283. Emergency alerts can be sent to email, text or voicemail. Participants can also identify when and how they are alerted and communicated with before, during and after emergencies, the Police Department stated.

“Community members will receive notifications that will improve safety in our city and help inform residents of potentially lifesaving actions they may need to take in an emergency,” Armijo said. “The information sent out by Ready Oceanside through emergency notifications allows residents and first responders to be better informed in an emergency.”

Residents and travelers can also download the Smart911 app to sign up for Ready Oceanside alerts to receive key information needed in an emergency. The app can be downloaded through the Apple Store or Google Play or by texting “Smart911” to 67283.