FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock (714) 647 7042/Gail Krause, (714) 647-1840
Register for 4th Annual Regional Test of AlertOC with New Smartphone App
SILVERADO, California – (September 6, 2013) – New smartphone apps are now available for AlertOC, Orange County’s regional mass notification system. Available for iPhone and Android smartphones, these apps will allow users to receive push notifications, review past messages, update contact information, and set device and language preferences. Smartphone users can find the app by searching “Blackboard MyConnect” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
On Tuesday, September 24, nearly two million Orange County residents will receive a call at 10:00 a.m. as part of a test for AlertOC. This is the fourth annual regional test of the system and will include 24 participating cities and the County’s unincorporated areas.
Residents are encouraged to self-register their email addresses, cell phone numbers and other alternate numbers to be a part of this regional test.
The key feature of AlertOC is the ability for residents to register more than one contact method at a specific address. Registrations of cell phone and alternate numbers increase the potential of reaching the greatest number of community members as rapidly as possible. This enables landlines, cell phones and e-mail addresses to be incorporated into a single notification system.
The AlertOC test on September 24 will replicate a large scale, multi-jurisdictional emergency requiring thousands of numbers to be called simultaneously across Orange County’s entire region. The phone message will urge all residents to prepare for real-life emergencies by registering their cell numbers, text numbers and e-mail addresses at AlertOC.com for the best chance to receive vital, timely information when away from home.
Emergencies can happen at any time. A wildfire could spread or a flood could close the roads to a neighborhood while residents are away from home. In these instances, AlertOC is a critical link for residents to immediately learn of any required actions.
For more information or to register alternate phone numbers or email addresses, visit AlertOC.com. Commuters are reminded to be safe and use hands-free devices when using a phone and driving.
###
