Local officials can tap a federal warning system to send targeted alerts with evacuation orders and other actions. In 2023, a CBS News investigation similarly found that emergency alerts came too late or not at all. Among the 15 major disasters ProPublica identified, reviews of local officials’ actions have been completed for 11. Residents have to sign up in advance to receive the local alerts, and not many typically do. Its IPAWS division also will review local plans for sending alerts and suggest improvements — but local officials must request this help.