Using Android Emergency Alerts and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Android Emergency Alerts are two important features available on Android devices that allow users to receive emergency notifications and alerts from authorized government authorities. These alerts provide vital information about imminent hazards, severe weather conditions, AMBER alerts, and presidential alerts. In this tutorial, we will explain how to set up and use Android Emergency Alerts and Wireless Emergency Alerts on your Android device.

Prerequisites

To use Android Emergency Alerts and Wireless Emergency Alerts, ensure that you meet the following prerequisites:

1. An Android device running Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) or later.
2. A valid mobile phone number.
3. Active mobile network connection.

Enabling Android Emergency Alerts

To enable Android Emergency Alerts on your Android device, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.

2. Scroll down and select Apps & notifications or Notifications (depending on your device).

3. Tap on Advanced or Advanced settings.

4. Find and select Emergency alerts or Wireless Emergency Alerts.

5. Enable the toggle switch next to Allow alerts to activate Android Emergency Alerts.

Managing Emergency Alert Settings

Android devices provide various customization options to manage Emergency Alert settings. Follow these steps to access and manage the settings:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.

2. Scroll down and select Apps & notifications or Notifications.

3. Tap on Advanced or Advanced settings.

4. Find and select Emergency alerts or Wireless Emergency Alerts.

5. Here, you will find the following options:

   • Allow alerts: Enable or disable emergency alerts.
   • Alert types: Choose the types of alerts you want to receive (Extreme threats, Severe threats, AMBER alerts, or Emergency alerts).
   • Alert sound: Customize the sound or vibration pattern for emergency alerts.
   • Alert reminder: Set the frequency of emergency alert reminders.
   • Show extreme threats: Toggle whether to display extreme threat alerts.
   • Show severe threats: Toggle whether to display severe threat alerts.
   • Show AMBER alerts: Toggle whether to display AMBER alerts.
   • Show test alerts: Toggle whether to display test alerts.

Make the desired changes to suit your preferences and requirements.

Receiving Wireless Emergency Alerts

Once you have enabled Android Emergency Alerts and configured the settings, you can start receiving emergency alerts. These alerts are transmitted by authorized government authorities and are delivered to your Android device based on your location and the type of alert.

When an emergency alert is received, your Android device will display a notification along with a distinctive sound and vibration pattern (if enabled). To view more details about the alert, swipe down the notification shade and tap on the emergency alert notification.

It is important to note that emergency alerts will sound an alarm even if your device is set to silent or vibrate mode.

Testing Android Emergency Alerts

To ensure that Android Emergency Alerts are properly configured on your device, you can perform a test by following these steps:

1. Open the Emergency Alert settings on your Android device (refer to the previous instructions).

2. Scroll down and locate the Show test alerts option.

3. Enable the toggle switch next to Show test alerts.

Once enabled, your Android device may receive a test emergency alert, similar to an actual emergency alert. The message will clearly state that the alert is a test. This allows you to verify that your device is correctly set up to receive emergency alerts.

Conclusion

Android Emergency Alerts and Wireless Emergency Alerts are essential features that ensure you stay informed about critical situations and potential hazards in your area. By enabling these alerts and customizing the settings according to your preferences, you are better prepared to respond to emergencies promptly. Stay aware, stay safe!