Vernon County residents automatically included in new emergency notification system

June 27, 2025

VIROQUA, Wis. – You may see some changes over the next week with how you get notified of bad weather or emergencies if you live in Vernon County. In fact, if you live in Vernon County will will be getting a notice automatically that you are included in the new system. The Vernon County Office of Emergency Management is in the process of a major upgrade in its public alert and notification capabilities by transitioning from the Nixle platform toEverbridge.

We sat down with Emergency Management Director Brandon Larson to talk about the switch and what that will mean for residents of Vernon County.

This change will officially take place on effective July 1, but the transfer of data from the old system (Nixle) and the new Everbridge system is already underway. Larson says it is all part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being residents.

Larson said Everbridge has an internal component for County staff to deliver faster, more targeted, and more reliable emergency notifications. Everbridge will be the primary system used to issue alerts related to severe weather, public safety threats, road closures, evacuations, and other time-sensitive events.

“Switching to Everbridge is a strategic move to modernize and expand how we communicate during critical situations,” said Brandon Larson, Director of Emergency Management. “Everbridge offers a more advanced and flexible platform that allows us to reach people in more ways—including voice calls, text messages, emails, and through the Everbridge mobile app.”

Another advantage is that Everbridge will be an Opt-Out system. The Feature “Resident Connect” is being utilized to pull open-source cell and landline phone numbers to get greater reach.

Compared to Nixle, Everbridge provides greater customization, geotargeting precision, and integration with other emergency systems, ensuring residents receive the most relevant and timely information possible. This improved functionality also enhances coordination among first responders and other public agencies during emergencies.

Residents previously subscribed to Nixle will automatically be transitioned into Everbridge but areencouraged to sign up for Everbridge alerts via email or download the Everbridge mobile app to receive critical information multiple ways starting July 1.

“We’re confident this move will help save lives, protect property, and give our community peace of mind,” added Larson.

Larson said if you want to sign in to Everbridge and create an account before you get a notice you can do that now by going to the Everbridge website.