Many Florida residents were awakened by a screeching alarm around 4:45 a.m. on Thursday after an early morning test of the emergency alert system rang from their cell phones.
The Florida Emergency Management Agency, which coordinates and manages warning systems for emergencies such as hurricanes and other disasters, apologized for the notification in a statement.
“The department understands the frustration of an unexpected 4:45 a.m. wake-up call, and would like to apologize for the early morning text,” spokeswoman Alecia Collins said in an email.
“Every month we test emergency alerts across different platforms, including radio, TV, and text alerts,” she said. “This particular alert was supposed to be televised and should not disturb people who are already asleep.”
The alert shook some Floridians out of bed on Thursday, and in homes with multiple cellphones, the sounds created an early-morning cacophony.
On social media, Floridians complained about the alert, share screenshot their phone screen “This is an emergency alert system test. No action required.”
Collins said the emergency management agency “was taking appropriate steps this morning to remove the company responsible for sending the alert.”
The blaring alarm prompted some to explain how to stop these notifications on social media, but the Florida Department of Emergency Management said such alerts are important to public safety and turned them off. I urged people not to
“This wake-up call was unwarranted, but I want to emphasize that disasters can strike at any time and having a way to receive emergency alerts can save lives,” Collins said. rice field.
St. Lucie county official in southeastern Florida said on Twitter An alert has been sent to all wireless subscribers for the state. “Although St. Lucie County uses the same system, this notice did not originate from St. Lucie County,” the statement said.
