Alert Types
Severe weather, traffic and terrorism—any of these can be emergencies in the Washington, DC region. This is why you can choose from many different types of alerts, and you can pick what’s most important to you.
Choose the Types of Alerts
You Get
Here are just some of the kinds of alerts available, including examples of actual text and e-mail alerts sent by different Washington, DC area emergency alert systems:
- Major emergencies (terrorism or natural disasters)
- Severe DC area weather warnings
- Severe DC area traffic updates
- School and government closings
- Other alerts, such as Amber alerts
The text alerts are shorter, and the e-mail alerts are longer in order to offer more detailed information. It’s possible to sign up for just text alerts or e-mail alerts—or both. You also can change the types of alerts you get anytime.
Sign Up Now for Instant Emergency Alerts
To register for any of the emergency alert systems, select the city or county where you live or work. Capital alert is your way to sign up for any of the 17 DC area alert systems. Because you’ll get alerts by cell phone or e-mail, you’ll get this free, instant information wherever you are.