Technology problems prompt 2nd Amber Alert test

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s Amber Alert Plan will be tested again on Wednesday after technology problems hampered Amber Alert notifications two and a half weeks ago.

The original test was held on Aug. 26, but the alert was delayed after two computer servers went down. The tests are usually held twice each year to make sure the public is notified quickly and effectively when a child has been abducted.

During the Aug. 26 test, the alerts did not go out immediately by email or text and efforts were made to notify broadcasters, law enforcement and others by phone, Twitter and a portal that is used in other states to send Amber Alerts.

Members of the Utah Amber Alert Advisory Committee decided it would be best to have another test on Wednesday to make sure all technological problems are resolved before an actual Amber Alert is initiated, according to the attorney general's office.

Utahns are encouraged to register to receive free AMBER Alerts on their cellphones at www.wirelessamberalerts.org. They can also be notified on Facebook about AMBER Alerts in Utah by clicking “Like” at www.facebook.com/AMBERalertUT.