A practical use of technology

Sometimes the rapid changes in 21st century technology seem designed to create nothing more than stress, distraction, and confusion.
But every once in awhile, a smart application of technology can make all our lives safer.
That’s the case with the new mass-text system being launched Aug. 1 by the Jay County Sheriff’s Office.
Cell phones long ago became ubiquitous in our society, and text messaging is routine for folks who range in age from 8 to 80.
With the new program, the department and the Jay County Emergency Management Agency can send out alerts as text messages when there’s a severe weather warning or when a child or elderly person has wandered off.
There’s no charge to phone customers other than the normal texting charge.
It can also be set up to send the alerts as an e-mail to your computer.
But the cell phone version adds mobility to the mix.
Say you’re out in the field when a severe thunderstorm warning is issued; you’d be alerted on your tractor. Say your teenagers are out with friends when severe weather rolls in; you’d have the peace of mind of knowing that they’d been alerted.
It is, quite simply, very cool technology. And we’re pleased to see the sheriff’s office putting it in place.
More information has been available at the sheriff’s tent at the Jay County Fair this week. Setting up an account can be done on-line at www.nixle.com, and it’s our understanding the process only takes about five minutes. It can even be customized so you only receive the types of alerts you need.
 Chalk one up for 21st century technology. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]