Keep your phone handy next week as New York City Emergency Management is sending out a citywide Wireless Emergency Alert test to help you confirm whether or not your phone is ready to receive actual alerts in case of an emergency. Here’s everything you need to know.
What are Wireless Emergency Alerts?
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are safety messages sent out to New Yorkers to inform them about extreme weather, natural disasters or there impending threats. These alerts can provide life-saving information quickly and directly to the public. Messages may be targeted to specific neighborhoods based on the context of the situation at hand
When will the test alert be sent?
The citywide test alert for the NYCEM Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system will be sent out on Thursday, September 18, at 12:00 p.m.
Do I need to take action when I receive the test alert?
No action is required after receiving the test alert.
Will every New Yorker get the test alert?
No. This test is specifically opt-in only. That means users must have enabled the WEA test setting on their phone to receive this alert. If a resident does not opt-in for the test alert, it cannot be confirmed that their phone can receive real alerts in an emergency.
As a default, most devices have real emergency alerts enabled, but not always test alerts.
Real alerts are sent out from all participating wireless carriers to any WEA-compatible device in the alert zone, regardless if they’ve opted-in or not.
How do I enable alerts?
iPhone users can go to their settings and select Notifications. From there, they can click Government Alerts and switch on Test Alerts to enable WEA. Androids users will need to go to their Settings, click Safety & Emergency or Notifications then select Wireless Emergency Alerts and turn on State and local tests.
Why should I opt-in for alerts?
According to NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol, “Wireless Emergency Alerts save lives, but they only work if your phone is ready…We urge every New Yorker to take one minute now to opt-in and confirm their device is prepared. This simple step is critical to ensuring you receive the messages that can protect you and your family when it matters most.”
Learn more about the citywide NYCEM WEA test alert on the city’s website.
