FAQs Archive

September 4, 2019 4:40 PM

Which is the best method for receiving alerts? https://socoemergency.org/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information //socoemergency.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/county-seal-75x75-1.png September 4, 2019 4:40 PM September 4, 2019 4:40 PM

Which is the best method for receiving alerts?

All methods have advantages and disadvantages. County emergency officials recommend using all systems for the best chance of receiving an alert.

September 4, 2019 4:21 PM

What is the difference between WEA and SoCoAlerts and Nixle? https://socoemergency.org/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information //socoemergency.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/county-seal-75x75-1.png September 4, 2019 4:21 PM September 4, 2019 4:25 PM

What is the difference between WEA and SoCoAlerts and Nixle?

WEA is a short text message designed to capture your attention. Emergency officials currently only have 90 characters for the message. You do not need to subscribe to WEA or…

September 4, 2019 4:20 PM

How can I find out more information about WEA? https://socoemergency.org/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information //socoemergency.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/county-seal-75x75-1.png September 4, 2019 4:20 PM September 4, 2019 4:20 PM

How can I find out more information about WEA?

The FCC offers this guide: https://transition.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/wea.pdf

September 4, 2019 4:20 PM

What if I don’t have a mobile phone? https://socoemergency.org/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information //socoemergency.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/county-seal-75x75-1.png September 4, 2019 4:20 PM September 4, 2019 4:20 PM

What if I don’t have a mobile phone?

While WEA alerts require the use of a mobile phone (including some prepaid phones), emergency officials send notifications through other sources such as NOAA Weather Radio, news broadcasts and the…

September 4, 2019 4:19 PM

Will I receive a WEA message if I’m visiting an area where I don’t live, or outside the area where my phone is registered? https://socoemergency.org/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information //socoemergency.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/county-seal-75x75-1.png September 4, 2019 4:19 PM March 28, 2020 4:13 PM

Will I receive a WEA message if I’m visiting an area where I don’t live, or outside the area where my phone is registered?

Yes, if you have a WEA-capable phone and your wireless carrier participates in the program. (More than 100 carriers, including all the largest carriers, do.)

September 4, 2019 4:19 PM

How will I know the difference between WEA and a regular text message? https://socoemergency.org/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information //socoemergency.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/county-seal-75x75-1.png September 4, 2019 4:19 PM March 28, 2020 4:02 PM

How will I know the difference between WEA and a regular text message?

WEA messages include a special tone and vibration, both repeated twice.

September 4, 2019 4:19 PM

What does a WEA message look like? https://socoemergency.org/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information //socoemergency.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/county-seal-75x75-1.png September 4, 2019 4:19 PM March 28, 2020 4:08 PM

What does a WEA message look like?

WEA will look like a text message. The WEA message will show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert.…

September 4, 2019 4:18 PM

What should I do when I receive a WEA message? https://socoemergency.org/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information //socoemergency.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/county-seal-75x75-1.png September 4, 2019 4:18 PM September 4, 2019 4:18 PM

What should I do when I receive a WEA message?

Follow any action advised by the message. Seek more details from local media or authorities.

September 4, 2019 4:17 PM

What types of WEA alerts will I receive? https://socoemergency.org/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information //socoemergency.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/county-seal-75x75-1.png September 4, 2019 4:17 PM March 28, 2020 4:12 PM

What types of WEA alerts will I receive?

Extreme weather, and other threatening emergencies in your area, AMBER Alerts, & Presidential Alerts during a national emergency.

September 4, 2019 4:17 PM

Do I need to sign up for WEA? https://socoemergency.org/wp-content/themes/blade/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information Sonoma County Emergency and Preparedness Information //socoemergency.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/county-seal-75x75-1.png September 4, 2019 4:17 PM September 4, 2019 4:17 PM