FAQs
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How often will I get e-mail or text alerts?
Is it free to sign-up?
Will my personal information be kept private?
What types of emergency alerts will I get?
How will I get the alerts?
What is the sign-up process like?
Why are the sign-up pages different for each city and county?
How do I change how often or on what devices I get alerts?
How often will I get e-mail or text alerts?
To a large extent, it’s up to you. The number of alerts you receive depends on the types of alerts you sign up for, and how often emergencies happen. For example, you may get many messages each week if you sign up for DC area traffic condition alerts or Metrorail alerts. But you may get severe weather alerts far less often. If you feel you are getting too few or too many alerts, you can adjust your alert settings.
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Is it free to sign-up?
Yes. It is a free service offered by local governments, but your wireless provider may charge you to receive text messages or e-mails. Be sure to check your wireless plan for details.
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Will my personal information be kept private?
Yes. Local governments do not sell your email address or phone number, and they only use this information to send you text alerts or email alerts.
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What types of emergency alerts will I get?
You can control what alerts you get. When you sign up, you will be asked to choose what kind of alerts you want, including:
- Major emergency alerts, like terrorism or natural disasters
- Severe DC area weather alerts and warnings
- Severe DC area traffic alerts and traffic conditions
- Amber alerts
- School closings
- Government closings
You also can choose to be notified about emergencies near your home, work or school. The emergency alerts can tell you what’s happening, what to do, or how to get more information.
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How will I get the alerts?
Alerts are sent as text messages or e-mails, and you can choose how you want to get them. They can be sent to your:
- Cell phone
- Blackberry or PDA
- Pager
- RSS
Alerts can be sent to more than one device.
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What is the sign-up process like?
There are three main steps to sign up:
- Create an account by filling in basic information about yourself, such as your name and e-mail address.
- Select how you want to get alerts, such as on your cell phone, Blackberry, pager, or email.
- Choose the types of alerts you want, ranging from major emergencies to severe weather warnings and DC area traffic conditions.
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Why are the sign-up pages different for each city and county?
Each government operates its own emergency alert system so they can give you emergency information that is specific to their city or county. This means the registration and customization process will vary slightly. No matter what city or county you sign up with, you’ll still get quick emergency alerts wherever you are.
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How do I change how often or on what devices I get alerts?