Los Angeles County pauses new emergency alert system after false evacuation alert in Altadena

Los Angeles County recently implemented a new emergency alert system from Genasys, but the quick transition raised concerns. Unlike other counties that took a year to train staff, L.A. County switched in just three weeks before facing wildfires. During the January 7 fires, a faulty evacuation alert was sent out, and west Altadena residents did not receive timely warnings. Investigations are underway to determine if the issues were due to software glitches or insufficient training of emergency officials. The county has temporarily halted the use of Genasys after the false alert. An outside consulting firm has been hired to review the county's emergency alert policies and systems.