Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) 

These are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities via your mobile carrier.

If you have a WEA-capable phone and your wireless carrier participates in the program.

Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service.

No signup to WEA is required. They are pushed through your network provider. Alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones during an emergency.

WEA’s are not part of the Core Lite app.

How it works

WEA messages are broadcast using radio-like technology from cell towers in, and sometimes around, the actual warning area.

Types of WEA alerts

Extreme Weather and Hydrologic Warnings
Local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action
AMBER Alerts
Blue Alerts
Presidential Alerts during a national emergency

Identifying a WEA

WEA messages include a special tone and vibration, both repeated twice.

When you will be sent a WEA

When you are within a threat area.

If you travel into a threat area after an alert is first sent, your WEA-capable device will receive the message when you enter the area.

No charge WEA

This service is offered for free by wireless carriers. WEA messages will not count towards texting limits on your wireless plan.

For more information see here.