South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff's Department is set to conduct a test of its emergency mass notification system, AlertOC. The test is scheduled for 10:17 a.m. on October 17 and will involve sending a simulated emergency alert to residents' mobile devices and home phones.

This exercise aims to mimic a large-scale, multi-jurisdictional emergency scenario that necessitates contacting thousands of individuals across Orange County simultaneously.

"Recent earthquake and fire activity serve as an important reminder to us all to be ready for disasters that could happen at any time, disrupting our daily lives," stated Michelle Anderson, County Emergency Manager. "Our goal during National Preparedness Month is to encourage individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations to get involved in preparing at home, work, school, and places of worship. By taking small steps to prepare today, we protect our future."

Disasters such as wildfires or earthquakes can occur suddenly, leading to evacuations and road closures in neighborhoods. AlertOC serves as a crucial tool for residents to receive immediate information about necessary actions like evacuations.

A notable feature of AlertOC is the ability for users to register multiple contact methods and addresses. Registering cell phone numbers and alternate contacts significantly enhances the system's capacity to reach more community members quickly. This integration allows landlines, cell phones, and email addresses to be part of one comprehensive notification system.

Residents are encouraged to register at AlertOC.gov and visit ReadyOC.org for resources on emergency preparedness. These resources include templates for family plans and checklists for building emergency kits.