Monday, Aug. 5, was the first time California officials used Amber Alert technology from the organization Wireless Emergency Alert, who notified the public of a statewide Amber Alert through their cellphones.
The California Highway Patrol issued a statewide Amber Alert on Monday after firefighters found the body of 44-year-old Christina Anderson, in James Lee DiMaggio’s burning San Diego, Calif., home near the U.S.-Mexican border. There was also a body of an unidentified child found in the home.
James Lee DiMaggio is suspected of killing Christina Anderson, 44, of Lakeside and kidnapping one or both of her children; Hannah Anderson, 16, and Ethan Anderson, 8.
For many, it was the first time they experienced the feature on their phones that allows government agencies to notify them about emergencies such as a major storm alert, a terrorist attack or the kidnapping of children.
Many other states have been receiving Amber Alerts on their cellphones since April 2012.
The organization behind the Wireless Emergency Alert say they were thrilled by the reaction to the first statewide alarm. Since the alert was issued on Tuesday, more than 100,000 people have searched for the San Diego County case on Google and authorities have been flooded with calls.
Check out some apps that will also help alert the public when a child or senior citizen goes missing in your area.
