On Friday, September 5, at 11 a.m., the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will conduct a test of the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. Below are answers to some common questions about the test and how Houston uses emergency alerts.
What is a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)?
A Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) is a short, text-like message sent to compatible cell phones in a specific geographic area. These alerts are part of the nationwide Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), managed by FEMA.
In Houston, OEM uses WEA to warn the public about life-threatening emergencies—such as hurricanes, flash flooding, chemical emergencies, or other hazards that require immediate action.
How Do I Get Alerts?
If you have a WEA-capable phone (most modern smartphones), you are automatically enrolled to receive alerts—no sign-up required. However, you need to make sure alerts are turned ON in your settings:
📱 iPhone:
- Open Settings
- Tap Notifications
- Scroll all the way to the bottom
- Ensure Emergency Alerts under Government Alerts are turned ON
📱 Android (steps may vary by model):
- Open Settings
- Tap Safety & Emergency
- Tap Wireless Emergency Alerts
- Make sure Allow Alerts are enabled
Why is This Important?
During a fast-moving emergency, every second matters. WEA messages provide immediate, life-saving information to help you take action and stay safe. Keeping alerts enabled on your phone could save your life or the life of a loved one.
Are There Times I Might Not Get the Alert?
Yes. While WEA is a powerful tool, there are situations where you may not receive the message:
- Your phone is turned off or in Airplane Mode
- You have your alerts turned off on your phone (Note: we do not send AMBER alerts; we only send Emergency or Public Safety Alerts)
- You are in a location with limited cell signal
- Your phone is not WEA-capable (often older mobile devices)
- In rare cases, your carrier’s network may experience technical issues
Do I Have to be On My Carrier’s Network to Receive the Alert?
No. If your phone is within the alert zone and connected to any active cell tower, you should receive the message—regardless of your specific carrier.
If I Travel Away from Houston, will I Receive An Alert?
No. WEA alerts are geo-targeted. That means you will only receive an alert from Houston OEM if you are physically located within the affected area at the time the message is sent. If you’re outside Houston when we send an alert, you will not receive it. While the WEA alerts we send are intended only for people in the City of Houston, the system is based on cell tower coverage, not exact jurisdiction lines. This means some neighboring areas may also receive the alert. If you are outside of Houston, you may receive a WEA alert from another local emergency management office based on your location if there’s an emergency.
What’s the Difference between a WEA and An AlertHouston Message?
- WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts):
- Sent to all WEA-capable phones in a defined area
- Used only for life-threatening emergencies when immediate action is required
- No sign-up necessary to receive these
- AlertHouston:
- A free subscription-based system where residents sign up for updates via text, email, or phone call
- Used for a wider range of information: weather updates, traffic disruptions, safety advisories, and recovery information
- To sign up, visit HoustonOEM.org or text AlertHouston to 888777
Be Prepared by Staying Informed:
- Keep emergency alerts enabled on your phone
- Sign up for AlertHouston for detailed updates
- Follow @HoustonOEM on social media for preparedness tips and real-time information
