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Update: Test alert from Monterey Park accidentally sent to all of LA County
Test from Monterey Park.
A test emergency alert from Monterey Park's Emergency Operations Center was accidentally sent to mobile devices across Los Angeles County Wednesday afternoon, according to David Sommers, a spokesman for L.A. County Board of Supervisors.
The wireless emergency alert is part of FEMA's Integrated Public Alert & Warning System, which requires a monthly internal test, a FEMA spokesperson told KPCC, though that test didn't remain internal.
RELATED: Monterey Park emergency alert: False alarm reveals flaw in system
Sommers told KPCC that the test text message went out to a larger audience than anticipated, and Monterey Park city officials are working to fix the emergency alert system.
Wednesday's test alert transmitted screeching sounds to hundreds of mobile devices — and Angelenos immediately took to social media to express concerns.
Sponsored message
According to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Monterey Park unveiled its new 2,000 sq. ft. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in July 2013. Funded by a federal grant, it cost approximately $500,000.
The Journal writes:
The new 2,000 sq. ft. facility will also be used for training and emergency exercises.
Besides having state of the art communications equipment, the facility is powered by a 100 kilowatt back-up generator and supplies to support a staff in an emergency situation.
RELATED: Were you awakened by the Amber Alert? Here's why and how to turn it off
Here's what folks on Twitter had to say about the unexpected alert.
This story has been updated.
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