Emergency Alert Changes Result From Waldo Canyon Fire

and now to the changes in communication since the waldo canyon fire. authorities wouldn’t become fully aware of it until later … but many people who signed up for emergency alerts, never received them. krdo newschannel 13’s scott harrison is live in mountain shadows, where most of the 346 homes lost in the fire have been rebuilt. scott, we’re much better prepared for fire than we were four years ago. according to the el paso- teller county 9- 1-1 authority… at least 20- thousand registered people did not get emergency notifications. and there are several reasons why. the 30- thousand- dollar-a-y ear system just wasn’t efficient enough. there was a limit to how many phone numbers, phone types or addresses could be registered. and utility outages may have cut power to communication devices. so in 2013, the authority went to a new, better system that costs 80- thousand dollars a year… and should better handle the demands of a major disaster. “but the thing to remember about that, is we are also limited by technology outside of 911. so we are making phone calls in the same phone lines that maybe a family or loved ones are trying to call into that same area to check on family.” however, bills says you should never depend solely on emergency alert systems to warn you of a wildfire or other disaster. you should be alert and ready to take your safety into your own hands. once you register, you also should check your account or profile occasionally… to make sure your contact information is current and accurate. live in colorado springs–scott harrison, krdo newschannel 13. thank you