NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org
Register Now For the 5th Annual AlertOC Regional Test
SANTA ANA, Calif. – (September 3, 2014) – On September 23, 2014 over two million Orange County residents will receive a call to test AlertOC. This is the fifth annual regional test of the system and will include 25 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 the 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 drill on September 23, 2014 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.
AlertOC smartphone apps are also 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.
Emergencies can happen at any time. 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 talking on the phone and driving.
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