North Austin News

The City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) has taken a significant step towards inclusivity by launching the Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS) to cater to the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community. According to Ken Snipes, Director of HSEM, "HSEM is committed to providing equitable access of emergency information. When we engage with disability advocacy groups, we learn how to better serve members of our community who are sometimes left out of the conversation."

AHAS plays a crucial role in the City's emergency warnings process by delivering messages in American Sign Language (ASL) to registered users. These messages are transmitted in video format accompanied by English voice and text, ensuring accessibility for individuals with different communication preferences. Users can receive these alerts on a variety of devices, including computers, cell phones, tablets, and wireless Braille readers.

In a statement, HSEM emphasized the importance of representation and accessibility in emergency planning, stating, "Our goal is to make sure organizations in the disability advocacy space have access to us and can see themselves represented in emergency plans." This commitment to inclusivity extends to the AHAS website and the Emergency Alerts webpage, where information is available in 14 languages to reach a diverse range of community members.

Individuals who benefit from this service are encouraged to register for emergency alerts in American Sign Language either on the AHAS website or by texting AHAS to (737) 241-3710. By providing critical information in ASL, HSEM aims to ensure that all members of the community, including those with hearing impairments, can stay informed and safe during emergencies.

For more information about AHAS and emergency preparedness, individuals can contact the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at 5010 Old Manor Road, Austin, TX 78723 or by calling (512) 974-0450.