Police, fire plan notification test in Merced County, ask for sign-ups

An emergency notification system used by Merced County’s six cities plans a test this weekend, and first responders are hoping people will use the biannual test as an opportunity to register in the program.

The system has been up and running since November 2012, and 3,000 of the county’s 250,000 residents have registered to get notifications by text message, email or phone call. Law enforcement and fire officials say they’ve used the system with success, and they hope more people will take the time to sign up online.

About 30,000 county residents with landline phones are part of the emergency system. Jeremy Rahn, battalion chief for California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for Merced County, said the newer system could be especially useful for people who have tossed out their traditional phone for a cell phone.

He said officials conduct a test twice a year – once each on the weekends that begin and end daylight saving time. “We’re doing it Saturday,” he said. “It’s our way of testing the system to make sure that the people that are signed up are getting it, as well as a way to encourage (others) to enroll.”

While registering, the system gives each person up to five ways to be contacted and allows them to decide the order in which those notices go out.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Department has used the emergency notification system to inform people of what’s happening near SWAT operations or other activity.

In July, Sgt. Delray Shelton said, the system was used to help find a missing Winton woman after 12 hours. Maria Baniaga, 58, who has dementia, was found after people in the area received the alert.

Shelton said the system is a great way to be transparent and keep residents informed. “It keeps people in the know,” he said. “It provides a sense of security.”

While registering, users can enter up to five addresses. Officials said people often enter their home address, the number for their children’s schools and the address of elderly parents.

Residents with special needs can check boxes, such as hearing, visual, mental or otherwise impaired, for extra assistance. Anyone eager to volunteer to use their American Red Cross, medical, foreign language or other training, can make themselves known while signing up.

To register, go to www.co.merced.ca.us/alert.

This story was originally published October 30, 2014 at 5:36 PM with the headline "Police, fire plan notification test in Merced County, ask for sign-ups."