Emergency alert system test set for July 16

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Management Division will be conducting a test of emergency alert systems this month.

Emergency Management Coordinator Rockey Adams tells us the test will include teams in Van Buren and Allegan counties, and they’re seeking to assess the performance of the region’s alert systems.

What we’re going to do is push out emergency alerts through the wireless emergency alert system, the emergency alert system on TV and radio, as well as some telephone alerting systems, and NOA weather radios,” Adams said.

Adams says people in the affected counties will notice.

You’ll have a test message that will pop up on your phone. In the message, there will be a survey so that you can give us feedback and let us know whether or not you got the alert.”

That’s if your phone’s settings allow such emergency alerts. Adams says it’ll be like getting an Amber Alert.

The test will take place around 11:50 a.m. on July 16.

Adams says the teams are specifically looking to identify geographic gaps in alert coverage. Anyone with questions should contact the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.