All of Yakima County is getting closer to being able to get alerts in times of an emergency. The city of Yakima and the county have worked out a mass notification system where they'd be able to text or email people in emergencies.
It would work with people signing up and also through cell phone towers. For example, you would be notified of a fire or gas leak in your area and where to evacuate.
"The frequency is low, but the risks are high, so that's what we want to take care of," said Yakima Fire Chief Bob Stewart. "If we have a situation that requires timely notification of our citizens to take some type of action, we don't have anything in place right now."
The first year of the service would cost about $52,000 with the county paying for 63 percent of it and the city covering 37 percent. Yakima city council members are expected to give a final vote on the proposal Tuesday.