what is emergency alert message

An emergency alert message is a short message sent directly to mobile devices by authorized government agencies to warn the public of an impending natural or human-made disaster. These messages are usually less than 90 characters and can provide immediate, life-saving information. Emergency alert messages can be sent through the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system, which is an essential part of Americas emergency preparedness. The WEA system has been used more than 84,000 times since its launch in 2012 to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations. There are four types of alerts that can trigger a WEA: Presidential Alerts, Imminent Threat Alerts, AMBER Alerts, and Public Safety Messages. When a WEA alert appears on the screen of the recipients handset, it is accompanied by a unique attention signal and a message that appears on the phones home screen or through something similar to a text message. The alert message will also include a unique ringtone and vibration. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is another national public warning system in the United States designed to allow authorized officials to broadcast emergency alerts and warning messages to the public via cable, satellite, or broadcast television, and both AM/FM and satellite radio.