SOUTHAMPTON TOWN LAUNCHES NEW ENHANCED MASS NOTIFICATION SYSTEM • Southampton, NY
The Town of Southampton has partnered with CivicPlus to implement a new mass notification software. The new system will be able to issue urgent notifications, emergency instructions, and warnings, as well as routine communications to residents and visitors who subscribe to the system. Messages and notifications are capable of being transmitted by email, text message, and voice call.
“The new mass notification system will greatly enhance our communications capabilities,” said Town Supervisor Maria Moore. “The town’s ability to get useful and important information into the hands of the public is essential in our response and preparation efforts surrounding emergencies and disasters,” Moore went on to say.
Joining the Supervisor in her comments, Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara said, “We identified some areas for potential improvement in our notification system after the wildfires last March. I applaud the team from the Town’s Citizens’ Response Center and our Office of Emergency Management who collaborated to update our capabilities in such a rapid time. I believe we will be much better positioned to get important information out with this new system.”
The new capability takes the place of an older version of the system that had limited texting capabilities. “Our new system will allow us to have an unlimited quantity of phone numbers enrolled to receive text notifications. When you are trying to get emergency alerts out to the public, the ability to text or call, as opposed to emailing, can make a huge difference,” said Town Emergency Manager, Ryan Murphy. Joining Murphy in his comments, Southampton Town Police Chief James Kiernan also stressed that, “The new system will also allow users to receive messages in a variety of languages that the software can automatically translate into. Getting information out to people in a way that they can understand the information is also extremely important.”
Town Website Manager Colleen Tuohy-Jones, from the Town’s Citizens’ Response Center, also highlighted the new capabilities to create internal groups and a messaging system for Town employees. “The new system will also allow us to get messages out to employees about delays, closures and other possible emergency conditions in a much more effective and rapid fashion.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit www.southamptontownny.gov/alerts or text SouthamptonNY to 38276 to sign up for emergency alerts. As the system expands, there will also be additional groups created that people may subscribe to regarding different areas of interest.
The Town has also created a special U.S. Open notification group. Text OPEN26 to 38276 for important updates and information surrounding the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Stay ahead of delays, detours and safety updates by signing up now.
