Wireless Emergency Alerts Hit Cell Phones
(3 weeks ago)
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Did you know you can receive local emergency alerts directly to your cell phone? With more and more people relying on cellular phones, the public can receive geographically-targeted Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on eligible mobile devices. These alerts can be life-saving because it allows the public to take preventive measures immediately. WEA will not get backlogged during emergencies when wireless, voice and data services get highly congested.
Three types of alerts can be sent to eligible mobile phones including:
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Presidential Alerts are issued by the President or a designee;
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Imminent Threat Alerts include severe man-made or natural disasters where an looming threat to life or property exists; and
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AMBER Alerts that help law enforcement search for abducted children.
Alerts are free of cost for all subscribers. If you have a WEA-enabled phone, you are automatically enrolled. To confirm WEA are available in your area and your device is capable of receiving the alerts, please check with your carrier.
Visit the CTIA-the Wireless Association website for more information.
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