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August 11, 2020 2:14 PM

I am outside the testing area. Why did I receive the WEA message?

Cell phone users in adjacent jurisdictions (Mendocino County, Marin County, Napa County and Lake County) may receive the test WEA message because their cell phone may be using a cell phone tower located in Sonoma County for service.

The system is designed to only contact cell phones within 1/10th of a mile of the tested area. If your cell phone picks it up this may be because you have an older cell phone unable to use the recently upgraded system. We want to know if you receive the alert outside the test area. If you do, feel free to reach out to us at (707) 565-1369 or email us at sam.wallis@sonoma-county.org

When you contact us the three things we hope to get from you is: Where were you when you received the alert? What kind of cell phone did you have? What is your cell phone carrier?

By getting information like this we are able to help the FCC better understand how to make the Wireless Emergency Alert system more effective, so your input is much appreciated!