NEW LENOX -- In this age of instant messaging, word travels fast.

And New Lenox police have decided to tap into this technology. They will be launching a new community alert system Wednesday to get information out instantaneously.

If there's a missing child, a hazardous materials spill, or an accident closing down a road, New Lenox residents will receive a text message on their cell phones. They also may opt to have messages sent via e-mail.

Gone are the days of circulating fliers door to door.

"This is the next level of technology that we want to use to provide safety to our residents," Police Chief Dan Martin said. Text messaging is "more reliable" than the reverse 911 calls now being used, because people don't have to be home to get the message, he said.

The system will provide a variety of information, and users can select which types of messages they want to receive. It is set up to provide urgent information such as Amber alerts for kidnapped individuals, missing persons who may be in danger, criminal activity in areas of the village, homeland security issues, traffic problems, a gas main break or hazardous material spill.

Information also will be generated on watering restrictions, neighborhood watch meetings and activities and community events.

The system was provided to the village at an "extremely minimal cost," by XStream Mobile Solutions, owned by village resident Joe Johns III.

Johns has been active in the community as a business owner and member of the village's Performing Arts Committee, and "felt compelled to provide the community with a product that will help keep them not only informed, but safe," the chief said.

Those interested in receiving messages can register at www.nlpdalert.com. The service is free, but service fees for text messages from the wireless providers may apply.

"We will be very prudent in our use of the system, so we're not like the boy crying wolf," Chief Martin said. "We will make sure it is important information. Hopefully, we won't have that many occasions to use."

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