Verify Wireless Emergency Alerts on Your Mobile Device are Enabled

Published on July 09, 2025

Want to receive timely information about local flash flooding, severe weather or other threats to your safety? Buying a weather radio isn’t your only option. With a few simple steps, you can turn on or verify that you are already capable of receiving potentially life-saving Wireless Emergency Alerts on your cell phone, smart watch or other mobile device.

Wireless Emergency Alerts are short messages, similar to text messages, sent by weather and public safety officials to warn the public about impending natural or human-made disasters in their areas. The Arlington Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management encourages residents and visitors to check their mobile devices to see if they are enabled to receive critical, timely information about severe weather impacts in our community.

How do I receive Wireless Emergency Alerts?

Wireless Emergency Alerts are free to receive and do not impact texting limits on your wireless plan. You do not need to download an app or subscribe to a service, but you do need to have the Wireless Emergency Alerts option turned on in your mobile device’s notification settings menu.

Wireless Emergency Alerts are broadcast by authorized government agencies, including the National Weather Service and other public safety agencies. These alerts are sent through cell towers to all WEA-enabled mobile devices within a defined geographic area affected by the emergency.

Learn how to enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your Apple device.

Learn how to enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your Android device.

These alerts, which pop up on your screen, will show you the type of alert, the recommended action, and the agency issuing the warning. These alerts are designed to come through even if your phone is on Do Not Disturb or silent mode. After receiving an alert, you can get more details by turning to trusted local news or trusted social media sources.

Visit the City of Arlington’s Severe Weather webpage,www.arlingtontx.gov/severeweather, for more news and information.