What Wireless Emergency Alerts Can Do For Greenville, NC Residents

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Our smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, allowing us a seemingly endless supply of information and entertainment. Now, the providers of the cellular networks that make our phones work nearly anywhere in the U.S. are providing a powerful tool that can alert us of any severe weather nearby.

The wireless industry has made a serious effort to have a Weather-Ready Nation by providing a nationwide emergency text alert system. Known as Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), these texts can keep you up to date and alert you to inclement weather.

What are WEA messages?

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. This can include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. Since these are forwarded through your cellular service, there is no signup or app to deal with! The alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones during an emergency.
 

How does this help?

Storms and other severe weather conditions can appear unexpectedly, especially when we get caught up in the routine of our often-busy lives. WEA messages can alert you via your mobile device if you may be in an affected area. This can be especially helpful if you are out of town or traveling and haven’t had the opportunity to check the weather beforehand.           

What do the alerts cover?

• Extreme Weather and Hydrologic Warnings
• Local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action
• AMBER Alerts
• Presidential Alerts during a national emergency