Emergency Alert tests scheduled in San Diego County
By County News Center
San Diego, CA–The County Office of Emergency Services and the City of Chula Vista will be testing the Wireless Emergency Alert system next week.
Wireless Emergency Alerts are a critical tool used to alert communities during an emergency or disaster. The alert system is used to send text messages to cell phones in a specific area. The messages are sent to mobile phones or other mobile devices when residents may be in harm’s way, county officials said.
The City of Chula Vista will conduct a test of the Wireless Emergency Alert system on September 12 at 3 p.m. and the text alert will be sent to phones near the Chula Vista Police Department located at 315 4th Ave.
The San Diego County Office of Emergency Services will conduct a test of the Wireless Emergency Alert system on September 13 at 3 p.m. near Julian.
The test message will go to all cell phones set up to receive “Public Safety Alerts” on their devices.
The test message will read “TEST. The tests will target small areas but could be received by devices up to 10 miles away. The test of the Wireless Emergency Alert system takes place during September, which is National Disaster Preparedness month. San Diegans are urged to make a personal disaster plan, so they are better prepared for emergencies or disasters. Families should build a kit with items needed in case they need to evacuate family and pets. And stay informed by signing up for AlertSanDiego, the County’s emergency notification system.
WEAs can be sent to mobile devices without the need to download an app or subscribe to a service. WEAs are messages that warn the public of an impending natural or human-made disaster. First responders may advise individuals to evacuate or to remain in place. The messages are short and can provide immediate, life-saving information.
For more helpful disaster preparedness tips, visit ReadySanDiego.org.
