The California Office of Emergency Services published a new web video on Wednesday that explains why wireless emergency alerts (WEA) are important for keeping the public safe and encourages local governments to register for the service at calalerts.org.
Wireless emergency alerts are short, text-like messages that are automatically sent free of charge to smartphones in a targeted location. There are three types of WEA warnings: presidential alerts, Amber Alerts and alerts about imminent man-made or natural dangers. Smartphone users can turn WEA alerts on or off in the device’s notification settings.
WEA augments the existing Emergency Alert System delivered over the TV airwaves, radio and the Internet. The FCC, FEMA and major wireless providers launched the system in 2012. According to the FCC, a pre-authorized national, state or local government may send emergency alerts through the system regarding public safety emergencies, such as evacuation orders, severe weather, a terrorist threat or chemical spill.
Twenty-four cities and counties across California have registered for WEA, but that’s not nearly enough, according to Cal OES. And many people still don’t know what WEA messages are.
"We actually need the emergency services community to embrace it, and the public to embrace it, for themselves as individuals, their families and their loved ones. It really will benefit everybody," said Kim Zagaris, Cal OES, state fire and rescue chief, during a discussion of WEA in the video released Wednesday.
