When an emergency is imminent or suddenly occurs, emergency management and government agencies will publish emergency messages to ensure public safety. The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management wants to remind you to make sure you have access to emergency alerts.

Emergency messages can come in many forms. Ensure your cell phone will receive Wireless Emergency Alerts, also known as WEA messages. This will help you receive timely information and instructions during an incident.

Wireless Emergency Alert messages look like text messages. They are designed to get your attention with a unique sound and vibration repeated twice. WEAs are not affected by network problems. WEAs will not disrupt texts or calls.

Check the settings on your mobile device. Review your user manual to find out if you have turned on the settings to receive emergency alerts. Some mobile devices refer to these messages as “Government Alerts” or “Emergency Alert Messages.”

Although almost all phone providers participate in Wireless Emergency Alert messaging, older phones may not be WEA capable, and some cell phone models require you to turn the alerts on. If you are unsure if your phone can receive WEA alerts, check with your wireless provider.

Residents should also sign up for local news and emergency alerts to receive timely and accurate information. Signing up for your local emergency alerts and following trusted news outlets is a great way to receive emergency alert information and updates as they happen. Remember that some email, call, and text notifications require you to opt in to receive alerts to your mobile device.

Having emergency and public safety alerts turned on your mobile device is essential to helping ensure life safety for you and the people around you. For more information about Harris County alerts and how to sign up, visit ReadyHarris.org.

Resources: ready.gov