IN AN area vulnerable to floods, fires, earthquakes and other disasters, knowing what’s going on where, and knowing it as soon as possible, is imperative to residents’ and workers’ health and safety, so the Carmel Police Department is collaborating with the American Red Cross Monterey Bay Chapter on a campaign encouraging people to register their contact information in order to receive emergency notifications, according to CPD Cmdr. Paul Tomasi.

Public safety officials in the county and Monterey Peninsula cities are asking residents to provide their pertinent information to Alert Monterey County, a system that delivers recorded emergency notifications to residents and businesses via the 911 database.

But the database consists of telephone numbers for traditional phone lines in homes and businesses, and in an age when many people don’t have landlines — instead solely using cell phones or the Internet to communicate — emergency responders recognize the necessity of reaching residents and employees via those means too.

Anyone who wishes to receive emergency messages and other critical disaster-related information by cell, Internet phone or email must register online at AlertMontereyCounty.org.

“The use of technology systems like Alert Monterey County can help save lives and reduce the impact emergencies create,” Tomasi said. “The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea has added Alert Monterey County to the city website and is encouraging every member of our community to register.”

In a further effort to ensure residents are well informed and prepared, the website also includes links to the Red Cross, ready.gov and PG&E, all offering advice on the best ways to deal with the disasters and emergencies that can range from inconvenient to devastating.

“By making emergency preparedness a priority, you will minimize the impact on you, your family and your businesses, and give yourself greater peace of mind,” Tomasi said.

To learn more, go to www.ci.carmel.ca.us or call Tomasi at (831) 624-6403 or the Red Cross at (831) 624-6921.

Red Cross appoints coordinator

The local Red Cross chapter also announced this week the appointment of Wanda Vollmer to the new position of disaster preparedness coordinator for Monterey County. A grant from PG&E is funding the job, and Vollmer’s responsibilities include establishing, coordinating and implementing public education efforts focusing on “vulnerable populations,” such as the elderly and disabled.

Vollmer spent several years working for Chapman University, focusing on community relations and fundraising, and has undertaken contract jobs with nonprofits like the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, SPCA for Monterey County and Soles4Souls. She has also assisted the Red Cross in the past.