[californiadisasters] L.A. Co. Emergency Alert System Targets Cell Phone Users

The County alert system wants to reach the millions of residents who haven't registered their cell phones.

By Robert Henry | KNBC-TV Los Angeles

|  Wednesday, Aug 22, 2012  |  Updated 6:07 AM PDT

The L.A. County emergency operation system is making  a big push to fill a void in getting information to millions of residents via their Alert LA County mass notification system.

While alert.lacounty.gov is populated with listed and unlisted landline phone numbers, it does not contain cell phone, VoIP or email addresses. Residents and businesses who want to receive alerts by text message, email, or voice message on their cell phones or VoIP numbers must register that information at alert.lacounty.gov. The system is also TTY/TDD compatible.

Wild fires, evacuations, mud and debris flows, hazardous material spills, acts of terrorism and health emergencies are just some of the threats that could affect Angelenos at any time. Immediately alerting residents, businesses and schools when these events occur has been the City's ongoing challenge - until now. 

The City's Emergency Management Department has partnered with the County of Los Angeles to disseminate emergency alerts and notifications to City residents, businesses and schools via the Alert L.A. County system that allows precise, reliable and targeted alerts to those who live or own businesses in affected areas.

Disasters and emergencies are often geographically based.  When a disaster occurs, alerts will only be sent to residents, businesses and schools of a registered street address impacted by the emergency.

Registration is simple. All that is required is an email address, name, address, wireless phone number and VoIP. When a disaster strikes, alerts will be sent when they occur, no matter where the subscriber may be at the time.

The use of mass notification systems has become increasingly important for cities across the nation and a vital tool in improving public safety and communication with residents and business owners. The City of Los Angeles is pleased to partner with the County of Los Angeles in implementing Alert L.A. County to keep its residents, businesses and schools informed about emergencies and critical situations. Register at alert.lacounty.gov.

Anyone needing any additional information should contact the Office of Emergency Management at (323) 980-2267.

Source: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/L-A-County-Emergency-Alert-System-Targets-Cell-phone-Users-167013955.html?_osource=Newsletter-Daily

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