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LA Officials Probe Erroneous Emergency Evacuation Alerts


Residents are feeling anxious following false evacuation alerts as Los Angeles County works to determine the cause.

Emergency officials in Los Angeles County are looking into the issues surrounding the evacuation alert system, which has erroneously notified residents across the area.

According to Kevin McGowan, the county’s Director of Emergency Management, the evacuation alerts are not being manually triggered.

“There is a significant level of frustration, anger, and fear related to the incorrect messages that have been distributed via the wireless emergency alert system throughout LA County,” McGowan shared with reporters during a news conference on Jan. 10. “I truly regret that this has happened.”

On Friday, around 4 a.m., residents received messages on their phones advising them to evacuate immediately due to fire hazards. A similar notification was issued on Thursday afternoon.

During the press conference on Friday, Mayor Karen Bass sidestepped questions from reporters about the erroneous evacuation notices.

“We will not let politics disrupt us, nor will we allow division among our community,” Bass remarked.

Approximately 153,000 residents are still under evacuation orders due to the Palisades, Eton, and other fires active in Los Angeles County, according to Sheriff Robert Luna. An additional 167,000 individuals remain under evacuation warnings.

McGowan emphasized the importance of taking these alerts seriously and encouraged residents to visit the county’s website for verification after receiving alerts. Residents can also reach out to 211 for help.

The department has confirmed that the online maps indicating evacuating neighborhoods are accurate.

“This situation is incredibly frustrating, painful, and frightening, but these alert systems have been essential in saving lives during this emergency,” McGowan expressed.

He clarified that no one is manually issuing these alerts.

According to McGowan, the department has every available specialist working diligently to address the issue and identify its cause.

“I urge everyone not to disable alert notifications on their devices,” McGowan stated, emphasizing that missing an alert could lead to dire consequences.

The alert system operates through a cloud-based public notification platform that interfaces with cell phone service providers, as explained by McGowan.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass speaks in Studio City, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2024. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass speaks in Studio City, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

An investigation has been launched to determine the source of the alert malfunctions.

At least 10 individuals have lost their lives, and thousands of properties have been devastated by the ongoing fires.
As per a recent estimate from AccuWeather, the extensive wildfires may lead to economic losses ranging from $135 billion to $150 billion.
Previously, the firm had projected damages could amount to $57 billion.



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