The County of Monterey Department of Emergency Management has begun testing a new Alert Monterey County emergency alert software and system, and Watsonville residents may receive notifications, officials advised.
Residents in certain areas of Monterey County began receiving emergency test messages earlier this week. More tests will take place Thursday and Dec. 7, beginning at 10am.
The multi-jurisdictional test consists of seven tests exercising the system’s ability to disseminate messaging using the following methods:
• Reverse 9-1-1 (audio test alerts sent via 831.308.4911, SMS texts are sent from 65513).
• SMS Keyword (text “MCTEST” to 65513)
• IPAWS Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) test/live test
Residents in test areas are expected to receive one to three alerts from the Reverse 9-1-1 system and IPAWS system.
MCDEM has been coordinating with fire protection districts, law enforcement agencies, emergency managers, government officials, elected officials and neighboring counties from the relevant test areas to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.
For information, visit alertmry.org/exercise.
