City tests system with early call

Newport Beach residents will most likely get a wake-up call from Orange County emergency services this morning when they give their first introductory message from AlertOC, the county’s emergency notification system.

Between 9 and 11 a.m. Newport Beach residents will be among thousands in the county who receive an automated call to their listed primary residential and business phones. The message lasts less than one minute and is the county’s way to introduce it to residents and tests its reach. The message will be used when city or county officials need to communicate with businesses and residents about time-sensitive, emergency or public safety matters.

If your residence or business with a listed land line does not receive a call, you can register it into the database at bos.ocgov.com/alertoc/alertoc.asp.

The public can add up to three phone numbers, cell phones included, and two e-mail addresses to the database. E-mails, text messages and automated messages will be sent.

For more information, call (949) 644-3109. Costa Mesa is scheduled to join the program later this year.

— Joseph Serna