ALERTWorcester’s service provider, OnSolve CodeRED, fell victim to the cybersecurity breach in November 2025. The notification system was shut down during the breach and residents instead received updates through the city’s social media accounts.
City Manager Eric D. Batista and Department of Emergency Communications and Management Commissioner Charles R. Goodwin announced the return of ALERTWorcester in their communications to the city council for this week’s council meeting. Although the system is live, residents will have to re-enroll in the new system, according to Goodwin.
Residents can enroll by visiting this link and selecting the “Sign up now” option, by texting JoinAW to the number 65513 or by visiting the Worcester 311 Customer Service Center at 799 Main St. during the center’s business hours, Goodwin said.
The relaunch of ALERTWorcester also introduces a new feature: the ability for users to select lists for non-emergency notifications instead of seeing every single one, said Goodwin.
“This enhancement is intended to reduce notification fatigue and frustration, which can sometimes lead users to unsubscribe entirely,” he said. “By allowing individuals to choose the types of non-emergency updates they wish to receive, ALERTWorcester offers a more personalized and effective communication experience while helping the municipality maintain stronger long-term engagement with the public.”
Examples of non-emergency notifications include election information, leaf collection and seasonal public works updates, parking bans and winter weather notifications.
Another new addition to ALERTWorcester is the integration of the app Genasys Protect.
“Residents and businesses can now use the app or web platform to monitor alerts based on their home address, work address or current location,” Goodwin said. “This added flexibility allows users to stay aware of conditions not only where they live but also where they work, travel or have family members.“
Residents can visit https://protectgenasys.com and put in their address to view active or nearby alerts, or scan a QR code provided in Goodwin’s communication at this link.
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