Event Recap and Resources
On October 22, 2025, Centralina Learns convened emergency management, digital equity and aging services leaders to show how stronger digital access translates into everyday safety and not just crisis response. The session featured Bruce Clark (Center for Digital Equity), Paige Grande (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management), and Cindy Kincaid (Centralina AAA).
Why it matters
Speakers reinforced how we were breaking down silos by bringing together IT, emergency managers and human service leaders, so alerts can be put into action. That coordination ensures residents get clear guidance through TV and radio, phones, and weather radios.
What we heard
- How alerts reach people. The three legs of the stool include: Emergency Alert System (TV/radio), Wireless Emergency Alerts to cell phones (no sign-up), and NOAA Weather Radio which provide redundancy so messages land regardless of device.
- Local opt-in systems are available in all Centrlaina counties. CharMeck Alerts has 600,000+ subscribers across residents and businesses, offering phone, text and email options for hyper-local issues and follow-ups.
- Plan for outages. During Hurricane Helene, 54% of cell service was down across 21 counties which is proof that communities need “back-ups to back-ups” like weather radios, door-knocking and neighbor check-ins.
- Close the digital divide for older adults. The “five elements” (affordable broadband, suitable devices, digital literacy, tech support, accessible content) remain essential and Digital Navigators plus curated learning (e.g., GetSetUp) help residents enroll in alerts and build confidence.
Try this in your community
- Turn Wireless Emergency Alerts on
- Enroll in your local opt-in alerts (e.g., CharMeck Alerts)
- Ensure multiple ways to receive warnings (cell, NOAA Weather Radio, vetted apps); 4) Share these steps with caregivers and neighborhood groups.
Get the resources
Find the webinar recording and slides on Centralina’s Regional Digital Opportunity webpage Resources page. You’ll also see the Digital Opportunity Resource Hub, a practical library with a Planning Toolkit (templates, surveys, outreach materials), public-safety alert options and resources for older adults and other special populations.
