How to sign up for local emergency alerts before natural disasters strike

Since 2013, nearly 90% of US counties have been impacted by natural disasters. While many households prepare emergency kits, FEMA data reveals a significant decline in individuals enrolled in emergency alert systems. These systems are vital for saving lives. This guide explains how to ensure you receive crucial warnings via your phone, text, or email.

Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs)

WEAs are a primary method for disseminating emergency information. Most phones have WEAs enabled by default, but you might have disabled them due to the loud alarms. It's crucial to check your settings and re-enable them, potentially customizing which alerts you receive. WEAs use cell towers, sending alerts to your current location, not your home address. Occasionally, alerts may reach areas outside the designated zone.

iPhone WEA Setup:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Notifications.
3. Scroll to GOVERNMENT ALERTS.
4. Enable Public Safety Alerts (these provide life-saving recommendations).
5. Enable Emergency Alerts.
6. Consider enabling Local Awareness for improved alert accuracy and timeliness.

Apple's instructions on enabling emergency alerts

Android WEA Setup:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Safety & Emergency.
3. Choose Wireless emergency alerts.
4. Enable Allow alerts.
5. Customize settings for Extreme threats, Severe threats, and Public safety messages.

Android's instructions on managing emergency alerts

Local Text or Email Alerts

Beyond WEAs, register with your local government's emergency alert system. These systems vary widely; some only send alerts for major disasters, while others include alerts for missing persons or police activity. Registration typically involves providing your phone number, email, and address. Many systems allow multiple addresses and alert preferences (phone, text, email). These systems often use third-party providers (OnSolve CodeRED, Everbridge, etc.). Save the alert number to your contacts and exclude it from Do Not Disturb settings. Even if previously registered, verify your information, as systems may change.

Finding Your Local Alert System:

Search online for "[your county name] emergency alerts." This usually leads to your local government's information page with registration instructions. Check county, state, and city websites, including emergency management offices, sheriff's offices, and fire departments. Some states offer centralized alert information, but always verify directly with your local government. When unsure, contact your local authorities.

Beyond Alerts:

While crucial, emergency alerts are just one part of disaster preparedness. Develop a comprehensive family disaster plan, considering potential power and communication outages. Remember that non-electronic methods (door-to-door notifications) exist, but proactive planning is essential.

(This article was originally published on The Markup and is republished under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license.)

The above is the detailed content of How to sign up for local emergency alerts before natural disasters strike. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!