A number of systems exist to alert people to natural or man-made disasters, such as the NOAA Weather Radio and the Emergency Alert System (which broadcasts over TV and radio). One system you may be less familiar with is the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system, which allows local, state and federal authorities to send text messages to WEA-enabled cell phones within range of a severe weather event or other emergency.
You don’t need to register to receive WEA notifications, but your phone does have to be WEA capable and your wireless carrier must participate in the program. To learn if your mobile device can receive WEA alerts, contact your carrier or visit the CTIA website.
FEMA recently launched a public service advertising campaign to raise awareness of the service. The WEA system has only been in place for two years and has never been publicized through advertising before. To learn more about the WEA system, visit the Ready.gov website. This New York Times article also provides a good overview.
While alert systems are an important way to notify people of imminent disasters, they probably won’t give you enough time to get home and take steps to limit damage. In severe cases, you may be advised to leave the area immediately. That’s why it’s important to do what you can to mitigate damage from floods and other disasters well before they occur.
Flood Solutions FEMA compliant flood vents are a proven way to help prevent structural damage to your home from flooding. In addition, Flood Solutions flood vents are always in the open position, so you don’t have to put yourself at risk by rushing home to open them as flood waters rise. To learn more about Flood Solutions flood vents, contact us.
