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Health & Fitness

Hey, Obama Just Texted Me!

When will the new Personal Localized Alert Network or PLAN arrive in Malibu?

In my ongoing blog about safety issues...

We've heard a lot of complaints about the somewhat slow notification system here in Malibu for emergencies. If you haven't signed up with City Hall yet, there is a reverse 911 system in place. Also sign up at www.nixle.com to get sheriff's updates to your phone or computer, and be sure to check in with our local emergency updates at 310-456-9982.

I'm not trying to kiss up to our esteemed editor, but frankly Jonathan Friedman's "breaking news" alerts via Malibu Patch are one of the fastest ways I learn about problems in Malibu.  Once you sign up as a Malibu Patch reader, you get them automatically.

Find out what's happening in Malibuwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In New York City recently, Mayor Bloomberg announced a new national alert system that will notify the public of emergencies via cell phones:  Personal Localized Alert Network or PLAN. Presidential and local emergency messages as well as Amber Alerts would appear on cell phones equipped with special chips and software. The mayor cited September 11 as being the linchpin for why New York went ahead with the “PLAN." Verizon and AT&T are onboard to install the special chips that will only be on higher-end and newer phones…smartphones.  It's rolling out across the U.S., and with any luck it should be in Malibu by 2045.

"We believe this new alert system is a welcome addition to our arsenal of readiness,” police commissioner Ray Kelly said. “It’s like a police officer’s gun: it’s there for a good reason, but we hope that we never have to pull the trigger."

Find out what's happening in Malibuwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

An interesting factoid is that opting out is possible for all alerts except presidential. I think you should be able to opt out of any alert you don’t want. However, we are happy that the government is starting to learn how powerful social media and technology can be for dealing with emergencies. Next time you feel your phone vibrate, you better check your text, because your life could depend on it.

To check out the full article go here: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/05/10/national-emergency-alert-system-set-to-launch-in-nyc/

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