Los Angeles County residents can now register their cell phone number at http://alert.lacounty.gov to receive phone calls in the event of an emergency. All land-line phone numbers have already been registered in the system. You can also register for text messages or e-mails to be sent to you. The system will be used – for instance – in the event of a disaster or evacuation.
It’s called Alert LA County, and will allow the Sheriff’s Emergency Communications Center to spread information in specific areas. The system will leave a message if the call is picked up by an answering machine. It will return the call if the line is busy or goes unanswered.
The new service was unveiled last week by Don Knabe, Chairman of the Board of Los Angeles Supervisors. Long Beach lies in Knabe’s jurisdiction.
The project will cost $1.97 million total over five years.
Disclosure: lbpost.com publisher Shaun Lumachi is under contract with the Office of Supervisor Don Knabe.