To configure the WEA settings on your device, see How to manage Emergency Alerts on your iPhone or How to manage Emergency Alerts on your Android device.
See the FAQs below for answers to common questions about WEA:
Wireless Support
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), also known as the Commercial Mobile Alert System, is a nationwide system of emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through C Spire Wireless and other mobile carriers. Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Weather Service.
Alerts received at the right time can help keep you safe during an emergency. With WEA, alerts are automatically sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm's way.
A WEA will look like a text message. The WEA message will show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. The message will be no more than 90 characters.
WEA messages include a special tone and vibration, both repeated twice. In some smartphone models, there may be an audible warning.
Follow any action advised by the emergency message. Seek more details from local media or authorities.
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.
C Spire is certified by FEMA to broadcast WEA messages on its network. You will receive a WEA message in any emergency situation that triggers a notification.
No, but the service is complementary. Local agencies may have asked you to sign up to receive telephone calls, text messages, or emails. Those messages often include specific details about a critical event. WEA are very short messages- usually 90 characters or less - designed to get your attention in an emergency situation. They may not provide all the details you might otherwise receive from other notification services.
No. This service is offered free of charge by C Spire and other wireless carriers.
No. Just like emergency weather alerts you see on local TV, WEA are broadcast from area cell towers to mobile devices in the area. Every WEA-capable phone within range receives the message, just like every TV shows the emergency weather alert if it is turned on. TV stations, like WEA, don't know exactly who is tuned in.
No, the alert will be delayed until you finish your call.
Most of the time, you will receive very few. You may, however, receive frequent WEA messages during an emergency. Message frequency depends on the number of imminent threats to life or property in your area issued by authorized local and state emergency response agencies.
Yes, WEA messages are not affected by network congestion.
You can opt-out of receiving WEA messages for imminent threats and missing person alerts, but not for Presidential messages. To manage your preferences for specific alerts, go to the settings icon on your device, click on the notification center or the WEA application on your Android device and select and save your preferences. See your device manual for instructions for more information.
Your mobile phone will pick up the tornado warning alert down to the county level where you are located. The current software program isn't capable of narrowing the alert for just those cell phones located within polygon warning areas smaller than a county.
WEA is one of many ways you can receive emergency notifications. Other sources include NOAA Weather Radio, news media coverage, the Emergency Alert System on radio and TV broadcasts, social media, and other alerting methods offered by local and state public safety agencies. Your best use of WEA is to immediately seek additional information about the imminent threat impacting your area.