Alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones in the affected area. Check your phone's alert settings, and keep a NOAA Weather Radio or local radio as a backup.
What WEA is
WEA messages are emergency texts from authorized government alerting authorities, sent through your mobile carrier. Partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, DHS and the NWS. They include extreme weather and hydrologic warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action, AMBER Alerts, Blue Alerts and Presidential Alerts.
Which weather alerts are sent
The NWS sends tsunami, tornado, severe thunderstorm (destructive threat only), flash flood (considerable or catastrophic threat only), hurricane, typhoon, storm surge, extreme wind, dust storm and snow squall warnings. That means many watches and advisories are not sent as phone alerts, so other sources matter.
No sign-up, no charge
No signup is required. Alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones during an emergency. The service is offered free by wireless carriers, and WEA messages do not count toward your texting limits.
Turn on alerts on iPhone
Apple says Government Alerts are turned on by default on an iPhone with a SIM or eSIM from a supported carrier, and you hear a special alarm-like sound when one arrives. To check or change them, open the Settings app, tap Notifications, scroll to the bottom, and under Government Alerts turn each type of alert on or off. Some government alerts cannot be turned off. Apple also offers Enhanced Safety Alerts on iOS 26.2 or later, which are delivered by Apple and look different from government alerts.
Turn on alerts on Android
Google says to open the Settings app, go to Safety and emergency, then Wireless emergency alerts, and use the toggles to choose the alerts you want. If you do not see these options, search for wireless emergency alerts in the settings search bar. Menu names can vary by phone maker and Android version. Google recommends keeping these alerts on.
Opting out and message length
You can opt out of imminent-threat and AMBER alerts, but not Presidential alerts. Message length is 360 characters on 4G LTE and newer networks and 90 characters on 3G and earlier.
Other ways to stay informed
The NWS advises monitoring your local NWS office and your local government or emergency management website, and listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV. On this site, enter your ZIP code to see current official alerts for your area.
Check your own location
See current official alerts and the impact for your ZIP code.
Common questions
Do I need to sign up for emergency alerts on my phone?
No. No signup is required for Wireless Emergency Alerts. They are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones during an emergency, and they are free.
How do I turn on emergency alerts on an iPhone?
Government Alerts are on by default. To change them, open Settings, tap Notifications, scroll to the bottom, and use the switches under Government Alerts.
How do I turn on emergency alerts on Android?
Open Settings, go to Safety and emergency, then Wireless emergency alerts, and use the toggles. If you do not see it, search settings for wireless emergency alerts.
What is the Emergency Alert System?
The Emergency Alert System, or EAS, delivers alerts over AM, FM and satellite radio and over broadcast, cable and satellite TV. It is one of three channels, with Wireless Emergency Alerts and NOAA Weather Radio, that FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) uses to send official warnings.
What is the difference between the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts?
The Emergency Alert System reaches radios and televisions. Wireless Emergency Alerts go to mobile phones in a targeted location and can still reach people when cellular networks are overloaded. Both are part of IPAWS.
Sources
- NWS: Wireless Emergency Alerts
- Apple Support: Government, Emergency, and Enhanced Safety Alerts on iPhone
- Android: How to manage emergency phone alerts
- NWS: Hurricane action
- FEMA: Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
Reviewed by the Storm Incoming editorial team on October 26, 2026. Follow local emergency officials if their instructions differ.