An investigation led by U.S. Congressman Robert Garcia into Los Angeles County’s faulty emergency alerts during the January wildfires has concluded, calling for increased federal oversight. The investigation was initiated after a series of erroneous evacuation alerts were sent on January 9, causing widespread panic across the region. These alerts were intended for a small group of residents near the Kenneth fire but were mistakenly sent to millions, including areas 40 miles away, due to a technical error by Genasys, the software company responsible for the alerts.
The report, titled “Sounding the Alarm: Lessons From the Kenneth Fire False Alerts,” highlights the need for reform in the nation’s emergency alert system. According to the Los Angeles Times, Garcia emphasized the importance of reliable alert systems, stating, “People need to be able to trust that if there’s a natural disaster, they’re going to get an alert with correct information.”
The report recommends more federal funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS), improved training, and the establishment of performance standards by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Additionally, it calls for the completion of certification programs for third-party software providers, a process that has been delayed since Congress mandated it in 2019.
The investigation also revealed that the erroneous alerts were compounded by local network outages and vague wording. In response, Los Angeles County has suspended its use of Genasys and switched to a system operated by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Congressman Garcia is drafting legislation to address these issues and ensure the reliability of emergency alert systems nationwide.
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