Sign up to get time-sensitive messages about life-threatening emergencies on the go—on your cellphone in a text, in a phone call and email—with LeboEmergency, powered by CodeRED.

The customized notification system lets you pick how you want to be notified. (If you have a landline, that number is likely already in our system. But you must opt-in to get texts, cell calls and emails.)

These are serious, dangerous situations, like active shooter emergencies, evacuations, missing persons, chemical leaks, etc. This is not about road closings, meeting cancellations or trash delays. You can still get those notifications through LeboALERT.

Here are some step by step instructions. A list of frequently asked questions can be found here.

If you need help using a computer, you may call the fire department during business hours at 412-343-3402 and someone will help you with the registration.

You also can sign up directly from your cellphone by texting LEBO to 99411. You’ll get a signup link that’s easy to follow.

Once signed up, you’ll be ready to get LeboEmergency notices. Mt. Lebanon emergency management staff can send alerts to the whole database or customize them and send them only to addresses that are physically near the danger. Only a small number of authorized emergency personnel are able to send alerts; your information is safe, it will never be sold and you will not receive any advertising or spam.

You do not have to be a resident. For example, if you live elsewhere but have a child enrolled in nursery school here or if you have an elderly parent in a care facility or even if you own a business in Mt. Lebanon, LeboEmergency will let you know if there’s a problem and what actions you should take.

You may also choose to download the CodeRED app, which uses mobile technology to message your smartphone about dangers within a certain distance of your location (Yes, you can choose how far the distance is.) However, here’s a warning: American Water Co. uses this system to alert customers of water line breaks. These notices are frequent and often not in our immediate area. So decide for yourself if the app is the best choice for you.

THE APP IS TOTALLY OPTIONAL. Even if you don’t choose the app, adding your information to the database will ensure you are notified of important instructions during an emergency.

After you sign up for LeboEmergency, it’s a good time to tune up your LeboALERT account. LeboALERT will still be used for all kinds of non-emergency notifications. This software will continue to tell you things like special event schedules, street closures and municipal service changes. You can go into your account at any time and change your preference for which notices you want.

*Both LeboEmergency and LeboALERT are free, but messaging rates may apply depending on your phone carrier and plan. Once you get an alert, it is helpful to add the phone number to your contact list as “LeboEmergency” so you’ll recognize future alerts quickly.