Emergency alert messages are short messages sent directly to mobile devices by authorized government agencies to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations. These messages are usually less than 90 characters and can be sent to any WEA-enabled mobile device in a locally targeted area. The types of emergency alerts that can be sent include:
- Presidential Alerts: A special class of alerts only sent during a national emergency.
- Imminent Threat Alerts: Alerts involving imminent threats to safety or life.
- AMBER Alerts: Urgent bulletins issued in child-abduction cases.
- Public Safety Messages: Conveying recommendations for saving lives and property.
When a WEA alert is received, it appears on the screen of the recipients handset as a text-like message accompanied by a unique attention signal. Only Presidential Alerts, AMBER Alerts, and Imminent Threat Alerts will trigger a Wireless Emergency Alert. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is another national public warning system that requires radio and TV broadcasters, cable TV, wireless cable systems, satellite and wireline operators to provide emergency alert information.
