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What you need to know about Wireless Emergency Alerts

June 21, 2012|By Chris Durden | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan.) — The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are a partnership between the National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

They alerts are also known as the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) or Personal Localized Alerting Network (PLAN).

Types 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

  • AMBER Alerts – Alerts that meet the U.S. Department of Justice’s criteria to help law enforcement search for and locate an abducted child.

How Do I Get The Alerts?

You need WEA capable phone in order to receive the mesages. Not all service providers are capable of issuing them. The ones that are include AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular.

Do I Have to Sign Up?

No. These alerts will automatically come to your WEA capable device starting in June.

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Will the Alert be Customized to My Location?

Yes.

Are the Alerts Different Than a Normal Text Message?

Yes. WEA messages include a special tone and vibration, which are repeated twice.

The alert messages do not disrupt text, calls or data sessions that are in progress.

What Do I Do After getting a WEA?

The alert will contain instructions. There could be updates to the information in the initial alert, so be sure you monitor your device. You should also check other sources like TV, radio or the internet for additional information.

Do I Have to Pay For the Messages?

No. The alerts are free. WEA messages will not count toward limits on your wireless plan.

Can I Opt Out?

Yes. Visit http://www.ctia.org/wea to opt out.

What If I Have Additional Questions?

You can visit http://www.ctia.org/consumer_info/safety/index.cfm/AID/12081

Storm Team 12 can help you follow the storms no matter where you are headed. We offer two different Apps for all of your weather needs.

Download the Storm Team 12 App for interactive radar and current conditions by zip code.  Also download the KWCH App, where you can watch streaming video of our Always On Storm Team 12 Weather Channel, channel 12.2. There you can also send us your storm shots and receive weather alerts.  The Apps are free to download for i-Phone, i-Pad and Android.

If you don't have a smart phone, Text Me 12 can also alert you to storms.

And if you want to stay ahead of weather while watching television, turn to channel 12.2 for our Always On Storm Team 12.

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