By Mary O’KEEFE

Capt. David Silversparre from Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station would like to remind residents that they can sign up for the new phone notification system called “nixle.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s new phone notification system provides information directly from the sheriff’s specific geographic area.
Users can get information provided to their cellphones or email accounts.  The messages at times include general information from the department or specific notices like road closures or emergency evacuations of a specific area.
Recently there was a downed power line in the 2300 block of Dorothy Street.  The nixle system was used to notify residents of the trouble and for safety reasons to remain in their homes.  The nixle was used in addition to deputies notifying residents.
“Then an hour and a half later we used nixle again to notify residents the lines were safe,” Silversparre said.
Only the residents in the immediate area were notified.  Silversparre said the system allows the station personnel to isolate messages.
“For example residents on La Crescenta Avenue did not need to know of the downed line on Dorothy,” he added.
When signing up for the system users can chose any area they wish to follow. For example if they live in La Crescenta but work in Palmdale they can sign up for messages from both areas.
To sign up visit the website www.nixle.com. Information concerning the program will be on the home page. Click on “Start receiving alerts today” or “Try the system for 90 days.”  The signer will be prompted to create a user name and password. Then enter user’s address and click to sign up. To customize, the user can go to the website and click “Locations” then “Add Location” on the left of the screen. The Sheriff’s department suggests using this Locations tab to allow other addresses outside the chosen main area.  This is to keep track of an area where family members live or if a student is away at college and parents want that extra comfort of knowing what is happening in the area. Visitors to the sight can click on “Settings” and sign up for additional programs including updates on traffic and weather.

  Crescenta, Nixle