PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington–Yuma Combined Communications (WYCC) Yuma, Colorado Date: 03/1/2026
Washington & Yuma Counties Select Hyper-Reach as Emergency Notification Provider
Hyper-Reach Chosen to Help Protect Lives and Property
Telephone-based and digital mass notification systems are trusted by thousands of public safety agencies nationwide to warn citizens about local emergencies, hazards, and other threats. Today, Washington–Yuma Combined Communications (WYCC) announced the selection of Hyper-Reach to provide next-generation emergency notification services for Washington and Yuma Counties. WYCC expects the system to be fully operational by the end of March 2026.
The new emergency alert system will deliver rapid notifications during hazardous and urgent situations through a combination of phone calls, text and email messages, and TTY/TDD services for the hearing impaired. The system can reach thousands of targeted households in seconds and simultaneously extend alerts via social media, Alexa-enabled smart speakers, browser notifications, and FEMA’s Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system for most mobile phones manufactured since 2011.
“Our mission is to protect the residents of Washington and Yuma Counties as effectively and efficiently as possible,” said Lonnie Knudsen, Communications Director for WYCC. “After reviewing available emergency notification providers, Hyper-Reach stood out as the best combination of capability, flexibility, and value. We are excited to bring this powerful tool to our communities.”
Washington and Yuma Counties plan to use the service primarily for alerts related to weather and environmental hazards, criminal activity, missing persons, and other threats to public safety.
Landline phones are automatically enrolled for Community alerts. However, Weather alerts to landline phones — and both Community and Weather alerts to VoIP phones, mobile phones, and email addresses — require residents to enroll.
Residents and individuals who work in Washington or Yuma Counties are encouraged to enroll now using a local address by:
· WASHINGTON COUNTY RESIDENTS:
· YUMA COUNTY RESIDENTS:
Residents can also enable alerts on Alexa-enabled smart speakers by saying, “Alexa, enable Hyper-Reach,” and following the provided instructions.
In addition, residents may download the Hyper-Reach Anywhere smartphone app. This free app allows users to manage and monitor alerts for their home, workplace, and other addresses of concern, such as those of family members or friends.
“We’re honored to partner with Washington–Yuma Combined Communications to provide critical emergency alerts,” said Barbra Yager, Sales and Marketing Manager at Hyper-Reach. “Helping communities save lives and protect property is at the core of what we do.”
About Washington–Yuma Combined Communications (WYCC)
Washington–Yuma Combined Communications is the consolidated 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) serving Washington and Yuma Counties, Colorado. WYCC provides 911 call-taking and dispatch services for law enforcement, fire, EMS, and emergency management agencies throughout the region. The agency is committed to delivering professional, reliable, and timely emergency communications to protect lives and property.
About Hyper-Reach
Hyper-Reach is a proven mass notification system with more than 20 years of experience in emergency messaging. Hyper-Reach delivers alerts via telephone, SMS text, email, smart speakers, and social media platforms including Facebook, X, and Nextdoor. Beyond emergency alerts, Hyper-Reach is also used for AMBER Alerts, hazardous material warnings, and active threat notifications. Customers include 911 centers, law enforcement agencies, schools, and businesses across the country.