Find out about Wireless Emergency Alerts

Authorized federal, state, or local authorities send Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). These are free alerts that have a special tone and vibration. AT&T offers WEA on WEA-compatible devices, and all WEAs, except for state and local test alerts, are turned on by default. The government agency decides what the message says, and which area gets the alert.

Notice about the transmission of WEAs sent through the Commercial Mobile Alert System

AT&T Mobility offers Wireless Emergency Alerts, including enhanced geo-targeting, within the majority of its service area, as defined by the terms and conditions of its service agreement, on WEA–capable devices. However, WEA availability may vary by device, location, or if you are outside the AT&T Mobility service area. For more info about WEA–capable devices, go to Wireless Emergency Alerts (PDF, 156KB).

These alerts don’t interrupt phone calls, sending an email, or other online transactions. But they may override any blocks you have set on your phone, like Do Not Disturb. If you get an emergency alert, check your local media or the National Weather Service for more details and take appropriate action.

Alert types

There are four types of Wireless Emergency Alerts.

• Imminent Threat Alerts warn of severe weather or other disasters that pose a threat to life or property.
• Public Safety Messages are an essential public safety advisory that provides recommendations on what to do to likely stay safe or protect property.
• AMBER Alerts notify communities about missing children.
• National Alerts are issued by the President, the FEMA Administrator, or the President’s designees.

FYI: You can opt out of receiving any WEAs except National Alerts.

There are also color-coded alerts for things like imminent threats, public safety, or AMBER-type alerts. The color code depends on the agency that sends it. Your local area may also use other color-coded alerts not listed here.

• Silver alerts/Seek and Find (SAFE) alert for missing older adults with a documented medical condition, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
• Blue alerts inform the public about violent criminals who've harmed federal, state, or local law enforcement officers and pose an immediate risk to the public.
• Turquoise alerts for the report of a missing or endangered person, including Tribal members, under the age of 65.
• Endangered missing persons alerts for someone missing with an intellectual disability.
• CLEAR (Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue) or Ashanti alerts for an adult who has been missing, kidnapped, or abducted.
• CAMO alert to inform the public a current or former member of the armed forces with a mental illness is missing.

Undelivered alerts

Expected to get a WEA but didn't? There are a few reasons for this.

• Your phone can't get WEA alerts. See WEA-capable devices (PDF, 156KB)
• You opted out of some types of alerts, like Imminent Threat or AMBER-type alerts. Learn how to turn on WEA alerts
• You aren't in an area targeted for the alert.
• Your phone was off or in airplane mode.
• You don’t have cellular coverage, or you’re on Wi-Fi only.
• Your phone isn’t have the latest software. Learn how to update it