Here in Anne Arundel County, we have a system called "Code Red" that sends alerts via voice (including land lines, which automatically receive the alerts), text and emails, and can include photos. This seems to cover the "problems" listed in the article. From the County description:

"Residents can sign up to receive alerts via cell phone call, text message, and/or email. Email alerts may contain a picture if pertinent to the situation (i.e. missing person, crime suspect, etc). The County intends to only activate the system in true emergency situations such as;

Security alerts
Hazardous chemical spill or release
Missing persons
Evacuations
Water system concerns
Hazardous weather

Because CodeRED system uses the 911 database, only land-line numbers (list and unlisted) are automatically included in the system. If you have a cellular or Voice over IP number and would like to be notified on that device, or an email notification, you must register those cellular numbers and email addresses. . ."