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In its first live test of its Wireless Emergency Alert System, Multnomah County found it could successfully notify most residents and visitors of an imminent emergency, regardless of their cellular device, carrier or operating system.

A detailed analysis of the Aug. 14 test and surveys by Multnomah County Emergency Management showed that the system could geographically target people with life-saving information in the event of an emergency. Surveys showed that 91% of people surveyed who received the alerts reported they were within the County at the time of the test, indicating there was minimal “overspray” to cell phones in adjacent counties.

The alert also worked across a wide array of devices and more than 35 cellular phone carriers, demonstrating broad compatibility and reach.

“This test was an excellent opportunity for us to not only practice our capabilities, but to also learn about any gaps or challenges we might encounter in the event we would need to use this system to communicate critical information,’’ said Richard Higgins, who manages the County’s alert and warning system for Emergency Management.

Higgins led a team that spent months preparing for the emergency alert system test — after flash floods in Texas, as well as urban wildfires in California and Hawaii, highlighted the need for rapid, widespread notifications to save lives. At 2 p.m. on Aug. 14, up to 1 million people in Multnomah County heard a high-pitched tone, saw their phones vibrate and received a text message in English and Spanish.

A widespread education campaign to prepare the public for the test helped minimize disruption and panicked calls to 911. Only one call was made to 911 in Portland, and no other calls were made to 911 agencies serving neighboring communities.

After the test, the County surveyed people who received the alert — and those who didn’t. The surveys indicated two primary reasons for people not receiving the alert: phone settings that allow them to opt out of certain alerts or having “Do Not Disturb” settings active without an override.

The surveys also found many of those who did not receive the alert were unaware of their own cell phone notification settings, didn’t know about the alert or didn’t know how to change their notification configurations.

Higgins’ team recommended that the County:

Increase public education on emergency alert and warning systems
Promote Public Alerts and Everbridge Nixle alerts, voluntary alert systems that people can opt into
Continue to regularly test the Wireless Emergency Alert system

You can find the full report on the test and more about emergency preparedness here.

Source: Multnomah County