Long Beach is the first city in Los Angeles County to provide emergency alert messages to residents who are deaf, blind or hard of hearing in accessible formats, including American Sign Language (ASL) with English voice-over text. These improvements increase the reach of AlertLongBeach, an emergency alert notification system launched late last year to keep those who live or work in Long Beach informed of important information before, during and after a major emergency or disaster.
“We are providing emergency alerts in formats that are easy for all of our residents to recognize and understand,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “It is important that critical emergency information is available to our entire community.”
In the event of an emergency, the same alert information that other residents receive will be quickly translated into an ASL video with English voice-over text and sent to those who sign up for accessible format alerts.
“All Long Beach residents and businesses are strongly urged to sign up for AlertLongBeach and receive emergency alerts,” said Reginald Harrison, Director of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications. “This service is available 24 hours, every day, which was an important consideration in acquiring the new features.”
Residents must register their cell phone number, e-mail address or text message information to receive accessible emergency alert messages. During emergencies, alerts will be sent to registrants to inform them of what has happened, what first responders are doing and what actions should be taken to protect themselves and preserve property.
Residents may sign-up for AlertLongBeach to receive alert messages in English, Spanish, Khmer, Tagalog or accessible formats on the City’s website, www.longbeach.gov. All that is required is a cell phone number or email address and a home or business address.
When a disaster strikes, it is important that residents are prepared and informed. For additional information, visit the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications website atwww.longbeach.gov/disasterpreparedness.
