San Diego County is first in the nation to test a new mobile emergency alert system.
The service will send a free text message alerting cell phones of a nearby emergency. The Office of Emergency Services is conducting the pilot program along with local agencies such as the Sheriff’s Department and CAL FIRE.
The alert could also give details on how to respond to the emergency, such as whether or not to evacuate, says Senior Emergency Services Coordinator Stephen Rea.
Currently, residents only receive alerts to landlines or registered cell phones. The text service should be available to the public in about a year. Until then, residents can register cell phone numbers at www.ReadySanDiego.org.
