Why is everyone’s phone ringing? Denver’s to test Wireless Emergency Alert system
Sep 10, 2024, 8:20 AM | Updated: 8:20 pm
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 03: In this photo illustration, a phone displays an emergency alert message that reads "Presidential Alert. THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed" on October 3, 2018 in New York City. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sent the "presidential alert" as a test to millions of phones across the United States. (Photo Illustration by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
(FEMA)
Thousands of phones in Denver will light up Thursday morning, all blaring the same tone and sharing the same message as the Denver Office of Emergency Management tests the Wireless Emergency Alert system. Denver announced the test on Monday as part of its recognition of National Preparedness Month. All mobile phones that have the Wireless Emergency Alert system enabled and that are located inside Denver County will be activate on Thursday at 11 A.M. for the test.
The Sept. 12 test will be conducted on all phones that ate located within the city and county of Denver during the test, no matter where the phones are registered or if they belong to individuals who live outside of Denver. The system is used to alert residents of critical warnings, such as severe weather, public safety threats and local emergencies.
The test serves two purposes according to the city:
First, it ensures the system is functional if local authorities need to use it.
Second, it familiarizes members of the public with how the alert system works. That way, individuals will know what to expect in the event of a real emergency.
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