Genasys Revolutionizes Emergency Alerts for California Counties
Genasys, recognized as a leader in emergency alert software, presented an enticing proposal to California counties seeking an efficient method for issuing evacuation orders at the click of a button. This innovative solution offers a streamlined approach to disseminating critical alerts, essential in times of crisis. With features designed for rapid deployment, Genasys positions itself as a vital tool for enhancing public safety and communication, especially during emergencies that demand immediate action.
Counties Embrace Genasys After Extensive Testing
Attracted by competitive pricing and advanced features, Riverside, Inyo, and Monterey counties transitioned to Genasys after a thorough year of testing, debugging, and training personnel on the new system. This comprehensive preparation aimed to ensure a smooth integration of the software, allowing these counties to leverage the latest technology for their emergency management needs. The transition reflects a growing trend among local governments to adopt sophisticated alert systems that can effectively respond to public safety challenges.
Rapid Deployment Raises Concerns in Los Angeles County
In contrast, Los Angeles County made the switch to Genasys in just three weeks, launching the software in early December. This swift deployment, as indicated by archived alert metadata, raised significant concerns regarding the adequacy of time allocated for debugging the software and properly training employees to utilize the new technology effectively. The urgency of the situation came to a head when the system faced a severe test during a major wildfire outbreak on January 7, highlighting potential shortcomings in the transition process.
Chaos Erupts as Faulty Evacuation Alerts are Issued
The unsettling evacuation order that reverberated through cellphones across L.A. County on January 9 was attributed to a malfunction in version two of Genasys’ software, as confirmed by the company to its clients. This malfunction not only rattled already anxious residents but also resulted in inaccurate alerts being sent to individuals positioned far from any danger. Such incidents emphasize the critical need for thorough testing and training when implementing new emergency notification systems.
Delayed Warnings Contribute to Tragic Outcomes
On the night the fires ignited, emergency officials faced significant delays in sending evacuation warnings to residents in west Altadena, where all 17 fatalities from the Eaton fire occurred. This tragic outcome underscores the necessity for timely communication during emergencies. Alarmingly, it was revealed that only one person from the county’s Office of Emergency Management was responsible for dispatching alerts for the three concurrently raging fires—Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst—between 7 p.m. on January 7 and 7 a.m. on January 8, raising questions about the adequacy of staffing and preparedness.
Investigations Launched Into Evacuation Alert Failures
During the chaotic nighttime fire driven by extreme winds, it remains uncertain whether officials neglected to issue alerts for west Altadena or if technical glitches within Genasys or a lack of familiarity with the new system contributed to the delays. The county’s mishaps regarding evacuation alerts are currently under scrutiny from both federal and county investigations, aiming to understand the systemic failures that led to ineffective communication during a critical incident.
County Officials Remain Tight-Lipped Amid Investigations
The Office of Emergency Management in L.A. County has refrained from commenting on the transition to Genasys ALERT, citing the ongoing investigations. However, a statement released on January 10 indicated that the county had been assured by Genasys that “safeguards” had been implemented in the software to prevent future issues. In light of the accidental countywide alert, the county temporarily halted the use of the software, prioritizing public safety until further clarity is achieved regarding its reliability.
Commitment to Up-to-Date Technologies in Emergency Management
“We cannot control when emergencies strike L.A. County, but we strive to utilize the most advanced technologies available,” stated the emergency office in a recent communication with The Times. They emphasized adherence to best practices by maintaining overlapping systems capable of mass notifications prior to the transition to Genasys, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring public safety through effective communication systems.
Investment in Emergency Alert Systems and Training
The county’s Office of Emergency Management transitioned from its previous alert system, OnSolve CodeRED, to Genasys in the fall, investing $321,000 for one year of service. This strategic investment aims to enhance their emergency alert capabilities, given the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. Officials in various jurisdictions have noted the importance of training staff and resolving initial challenges during implementation to maximize the software’s effectiveness.
Lessons Learned from Testing and Training for Genasys
Kelsey Scanlon, head of Monterey County’s Department of Emergency Management, shared that the initial version of Genasys’ alert software “had a lot of bugs” when they began using it in late 2022. Most glitches were minor; however, one significant issue arose during testing, blocking officials from sending an emergency alert. Genasys identified the technical problem and resolved it within days, showcasing the importance of rigorous testing phases for new technologies in emergency management.
Side-by-Side Testing Ensures Smooth Transition in Riverside County
After acquiring the software in 2021, Riverside County meticulously ran Genasys ALERT alongside its previous system for about a year, utilizing the old system for actual alerts while simulating alert dispatches through the Genasys platform. This careful approach ensured that the team was fully prepared and comfortable with the new process before issuing real alerts, highlighting the critical role of extensive training and familiarity in emergency response scenarios.
Importance of Training in Emergency Alert Systems
William Turner, head of Connecticut’s Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, emphasized the necessity of comprehensive training when transitioning alert systems. “Being well-versed and comfortable with the software is crucial, as you are entrusted with the ability to alert potentially millions of people,” he explained, stressing that inadequate training can significantly increase the likelihood of errors during emergencies.
Push for a Longer Transition Period in Previous Software Switch
L.A. County had previously advocated for an extended transition period in 2017 when moving to OnSolve, which provided emergency alert software until recently. Jeff Reeb, the then-director of the county’s Office of Emergency Management, requested a five-month overlap with the prior system to ensure a seamless transition, as documented in county records. Unfortunately, this time, as officials shifted from CodeRED to Genasys, they opted for a significantly shorter overlap, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the switch.
Testing Emergency Alert Systems with Minimal Alarm
Counties can evaluate their emergency alert systems without causing unnecessary panic among residents by sending alerts through a test server. L.A. County conducted its first Genasys test alert on November 18, as per the database of test alerts, with the contract with OnSolve concluding just a week and a half later. The rationale behind opting for a brief transition period this time remains unclear; however, familiarity with Genasys’ prior evacuation planning software may have influenced the decision.
First Real-World Test Yields Mixed Results for Genasys
The system underwent its initial real-world test on December 9 during the Franklin fire, successfully issuing multiple evacuation orders for Malibu using Genasys, as analyzed from archived alerts. However, the situation escalated on January 7 when hurricane-force winds spread embers across the area, necessitating numerous evacuation alerts for the Palisades and Eaton fires. While most alerts were dispatched correctly, two significant errors occurred: a false countywide alert and the absence of alerts for certain Altadena neighborhoods, which ultimately suffered devastating losses.
Challenges with Evacuation Zones During Critical Alerts
The county had previously utilized Genasys to establish evacuation zones for emergency alerts, as outlined in an agreement with the company. Lake Avenue served as a boundary for many of these zones in Altadena, creating complications during the Eaton fire. Areas east of Lake Avenue received multiple evacuation orders as the fire advanced, while those to the west did not receive any alerts until nearly 3:30 a.m., highlighting the need for clear and effective communication protocols during emergencies.
Adjustments Needed for Accurate Evacuation Notifications
Inyo County, which also employed Genasys for evacuation zone creation, reported that officials had to modify zones where main streets served as dividing lines. “Genasys’ algorithm had it blocked off, so one side of the street was designated as one zone and the other side as another,” noted Mikaela Torres, emergency manager for Inyo County. This discrepancy emphasizes the importance of ensuring that evacuation zones align with real-world conditions to prevent confusion and ensure timely notifications.
Collaborative Decision-Making for Evacuation Alerts
County officials have communicated to reporters that decisions regarding the timing and location of evacuation alerts involve coordination among the county’s Office of Emergency Management, the Sheriff’s Department, and the county fire department. To enhance their emergency alert notification systems, the county has enlisted the services of the McChrystal Group, an external consulting firm, to review evacuation policies and improve overall effectiveness in crisis communication.
Training and Accountability Emphasized in Emergency Responses
Kevin McGowan, head of L.A. County’s Office of Emergency Management, declined to comment on the specifics of training for the new alert system, citing ongoing reviews. However, he underscored that “everyone who utilized the system received training.” Alert metadata indicate that four individuals from the Office of Emergency Management were responsible for sending alerts during the wildfires, including three emergency management coordinators and one supervisor.
Genasys Declares Success Amid Controversy
In the aftermath of the wildfires, Genasys’ Chief Executive, Richard Danforth, has highlighted the company’s role in the evacuations as a landmark success. Despite the challenges faced, he noted an unprecedented surge in inquiries for both their software and hardware solutions, anticipating significant new bookings in the coming months. This optimistic outlook underscores the growing recognition of the importance of effective emergency alert systems in safeguarding communities during crises.
Times staff writer Grace Toohey contributed to this report.
