Thornton Unveils New Opt-In Emergency Alert System

The Colorado city's Thornton Ready platform aims to warn residents sooner about disasters like wildfires.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The city of Thornton, Colorado has launched a new emergency alert system called Thornton Ready to help warn residents about disasters and emergencies in their community. The opt-in platform provides text, email, and phone call alerts and is integrated with Smart 911 technology to give dispatchers critical household information. Thornton officials say the system meets high cybersecurity standards after the previous CodeRed system was impacted by a breach.

Why it matters

Thornton, like many cities, has struggled to get a significant portion of its population signed up for emergency alert systems in the past. With the city facing increasing risks from severe weather, drought, and wildfires, the new Thornton Ready platform is seen as a crucial tool to improve public safety and preparedness.

The details

Thornton Ready was already in development before a recent wildfire came dangerously close to a local school and business. The new system provides text, email, and phone call alerts to residents who opt in, and is integrated with Smart 911 technology to give dispatchers access to critical household information. Thornton officials say the platform has gone through rigorous cybersecurity vetting after issues with the previous CodeRed system.

  • Thornton Ready was unveiled in March 2026.
  • A wildfire came within 50-100 feet of a local school less than two weeks before the new system launched.

The players

Chris Miller

CEO of Pinnacle Charter School, which had a recent wildfire come dangerously close to the school.

Makayla Richard

A Thornton resident who experienced the recent nearby wildfire.

Jason Rol

Owner of Rol Race Motorsports, whose business was threatened by the recent wildfire.

Ryan Doyle

Emergency manager for the city of Thornton, who is overseeing the launch of the new Thornton Ready emergency alert system.

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What they’re saying

“If you want to learn about the emergencies and potential disasters that could occur in your area, if you want to be prepared for an emergency that may occur outside your door, this is the notification system where you will learn of that.”

— Ryan Doyle, Emergency manager, City of Thornton (cbsnews.com)

“As we go further into severe weather season and looking at the drought scenario that we're dealing with, with the fire danger and the winds this coming summer, we're just glad that we have this system now readily available to use.”

— Ryan Doyle, Emergency manager, City of Thornton (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Thornton leaders will continue to promote the use of Thornton Ready at events throughout the year, and residents can sign up for the new opt-in emergency alert system on the city's website.

The takeaway

Thornton's new Thornton Ready emergency alert system represents a crucial step forward for the city in improving public safety and preparedness, especially as it faces growing risks from severe weather, drought, and wildfires. The opt-in platform's integration with Smart 911 technology and focus on cybersecurity are key features that could serve as a model for other communities.