Automated weather, emergency alert system begins rollout

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Emergency authorities and wireless companies will begin rolling out a new way to notify citizens of potential threats, weather-related and otherwise this month.

The wireless industry, the FCC and FEMA are working together on the system which will notify cell phone users automatically if they are in affected counties.

NOAA says tornado warnings, flash flood warnings and several other high-end warnings will go direct to wireless if their device is compatible. Cell phone users will be automatically enrolled and the messages will be provided free-of-charge.

CTIA-The Wireless association said there are three different kinds of alerts:

• Presidential Alerts – Alerts issued by the President or a designee;
• Imminent Threat Alerts – Alerts that include severe man-made or natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, etc., where an imminent threat to life or property exists; and
• AMBER Alerts – Alerts that meet the U.S. Department of Justice’s criteria to help law enforcement search for and locate an abducted child.

The messages will appear like a text message but actually use a location-based technology to determine if a cell phone user is in an affected area.

Your phone’s packaging or user manual should tell you whether it’s compatible with the service. Just look for the CTIA Wireless Emergency Alerts logo.

CTIA says to confirm that Wireless Emergency Alerts are available in your area and your device is capable of receiving the alerts, please check with your carrier.