COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WTVF) — The impact of the Christmas day bombing in Nashville reached far beyond Davidson County - shutting down multiple 911 centers including in Maury County.
As county officials continue to review their response to the incident, they are encouraging residents to sign up for the county's emergency notification system.
"We are able to notify you should there be an emergency or an infrastructure failure, or anything like that," said Jeff Hardy, Director of Emergency Management for Maury County.
Hardy said participating in the system is the best way for people to stay connected and prepared during any future emergency situations. Registering for the alerts is free, and allows people to receive notifications by phone, email and text alert. Participants are encouraged to submit multiple phone numbers and email addresses to ensure they receive notifications.
Residents can sign up for the service online here.
In the aftermath of the bombing, Hardy said officials scrambled to set up alternate emergency phone numbers to connect people in need of help to local dispatchers. He believed all calls were answered, the emergency notification system will help ensure people stay connected. He added that the incident was a reminder of the importance of having multiple ways to communicate.
"We have become a culture that is reliant on electronic devices, and so that has become a challenge making sure people are able to get essential services in a timely manner," said Hardy.
Hardy said it took about two days for 911 services to be restored in Maury County after the bombing.
The bombing damaged an AT&T transmission center on 2nd Avenue, and as a result, impacted 911 centers across Tennessee, and in Kentucky and Alabama.
