How Do I Receive Amber Alert Notifications To My Phone?
A great question was recently asked on our Facebook page regarding Amber Alert notifications to smartphones. As part of an Amber Alert activation, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responsible for the statewide administration of this alert system, can send what is called a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA). This allows individuals with WEA-capable smartphones to automatically receive free Amber Alerts along with Presidential and Imminent Threat Alerts. Unless, of course, this function is turned OFF.
Depending on your type of phone, the instructions will vary, slightly, but it’s always a good idea to have this set to ON. You never know when you will come across a vehicle matching the description of a suspect who has just abducted a child!
According to Apple, the instructions below work for iPhone 4S and later:
Another great resource for iPhone 5 and 4S users comes courtesy of CNet.
For Android users, turning ON notifications for Government Notifications can vary from carrier-to-carrier. Here is a list of the more common carriers:
ATT:
WEA capable phones
Sprint:
Samsung Galaxy S III
T-mobile:
Nokia Lumina
Samsung Galaxy Light
Verizon:
Droid Charge
Samsung Galaxy Stratosphere
Want us to add a phone/carrier? Let us know!
For more information on Amber Alerts, check out the CHP’s website here.
