Tips for Emergency Use of Mobile Devices

Alerts

Learn how to enable your device to receive emergency messages. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are now being received on cell phones across the country. Unlike text alerts you may receive from your city, county or institution, you do not have to sign up to receive WEA messages. They are automatic on many of the newer model mobile phones. Several wireless providers call them wireless emergency alerts (WEA), some refer to them as government alerts, and some localities call it the Personalized Local Alerting Network (PLAN).

If you have an older device ask your cellular provider how to set your mobile device to receive WEA alerts. You can also do an internet search for instructions on how to enable your device. This allows you to receive alerts for your current location, no matter where you are in the United Stated. The messages are sent from then National Weather Service, as well as, state and local alert authorities. The newer smart phones are already set to receive these alerts, you do not have to sign-up to receive WEAs but you may have to enable the feature on your phone. For more WEA information see “Need to Know Information about Wireless Emergency Alerts” at http://www.cacp.gatech.edu/handouts/wea1.pdf, and Apps for Enhancing Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) Access at http://cacp.gatech.edu/sites/default/files/docs/appsforenhancingweaaccess2017.pdf

Many local areas also offer emergency alert notifications. You can subscribe to text alert services from local or state governments to receive alerts in the event of a disaster. These can be delivered as text, phone, voicemail or email messages. However you will only receive alerts for the zip code you provide when you sign up for the service. Check your local emergency management agency, city or county website to find out if they provide these types of alerts. Depending on where you live there are different alerts that you can receive, these can include:

• Extreme weather, and other threatening emergencies in your area

• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) from the National Weather Service include: tsunami warnings, tornado and flash flood warnings, hurricane, typhoon, dust storm and extreme wind warnings

• America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response (AMBER) alerts are urgent messages issued in serious child-abduction cases.

• Presidential Alerts during a national emergency

• Parents should sign up for their school district emergency alert system.