2025 07 10 this article was written in part with help from Grok AI
There have been a number of major natural disasters in the past months, and even years, where flooding has been the main problem. In the U.S. deaths from flooding are the 2nd highest of all natural disasters, with extreme heat being the highest. Up until 2023, there were an average of 113-127 flood related deaths due. However, there were about 132 deaths due to flooding during 2024, with many attributed to the hurricanes, with about 95 due to hurricane Helene. The flood related death toll for 2025 so far is about 150, with about 120 from the recent Texas flooding, and with around 160 people still missing that number is most likely going to increase significantly.
Why No Warnings?
In all the media coverage the question of why there were no warnings always comes up. Survivors state they didn’t get any warnings. In some news clips you even have the senior official saying things like, “We don’t have a warning system,” or “Our warning system didn’t work.” But I will argue that there are warning systems, and in most cases at least one was used.
THE PROBLEM IS A PEOPLE PROBLEM
In this article we will look at a number of the different warning systems there are in place, we will look at some of the limitations, as well as where they “don’t work,” and some possible actions to improve the chances of you receiving a warning. As the old saying goes; “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”
I’m a fan of Sun Tzu and there are a number of his quotes that can be applied to preparedness:
“Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems.” Sun Tzu
“Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow.” Sun Tzu
“Correct your mistake as soon as you have found it.” Sun Tzu
“Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small. The difficult things in this world must be done while they are easy, the greatest things in the world must be done while they are still small. For this reason sages never do what is great, and this is why they achieve greatness.” Sun Tzu
The National Weather Service
There are numerous systems in place to alert the public of severe weather, including flash flooding. The primary organization for making weather event notifications is the National Weather Service (NWS).
There are generally three “levels” that the NWS uses based on the severity, urgency, and likelihood of weather-related hazards.
- Advisory:
- Watch
- Warning
Advisory
Issued when a weather event is expected to cause significant inconvenience but is not severe enough to be life-threatening. Advisories cover conditions that may disrupt daily activities, such as minor flooding, light snow, or dense fog. Action: Take precautions to avoid inconvenience or minor hazards (e.g., Flood Advisory, Winter Weather Advisory).
Watch
Issued when conditions are favorable for a hazardous weather event that could be severe or life-threatening, but its occurrence, location, or timing is uncertain. Watches indicate a heightened risk and urge preparation. Action: Plan and prepare for potential impacts (e.g., Tornado Watch, Flash Flood Watch).
Warning
Issued when a hazardous weather event is occurring, imminent, or highly likely and poses a significant threat to life or property. Warnings require immediate action to protect safety. Action: Act quickly to stay safe (e.g., Tornado Warning, Flash Flood Warning).
Outlook
A broad discussion of the weather pattern expected across any given area. Generally for the next 48-hours.
Flash Flooding
Specific to flash flooding are the following definitions:
Flash Flood Advisory: Issued when flash flooding is expected to cause minor to moderate inconvenience but is not immediately life-threatening. This may involve minor flooding of streets, low-lying areas, or urban streams, potentially affecting travel or property.
Action: Be cautious, avoid flooded roads, and monitor conditions (e.g., expect ponding on roads or small streams overflowing).
Flash Flood Watch: Issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding within the next 12–48 hours, but the occurrence, timing, or location is uncertain. This is often triggered by forecasts of heavy rainfall, saturated soils, or potential dam breaks.
Action: Prepare for possible flash flooding, review emergency plans, and stay informed (e.g., heavy rain is forecast that could lead to rapid flooding).
Flash Flood Warning: Issued when flash flooding is occurring, imminent, or highly likely within the next few hours, posing a significant threat to life and property. Flash floods are sudden and violent, often caused by intense rainfall, dam failures, or rapid snowmelt.
Action: Take immediate action to protect life and property, move to higher ground, and avoid floodwaters (e.g., “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” for vehicle safety).
Examples:
- Advisory: Nuisance flooding in urban areas with 1–2 inches of rain in a short period, causing water on roads or minor stream overflows.
- Watch: Forecast of 2–4 inches of rain in a few hours over already saturated ground, increasing flash flood risk.
- Warning: 3–5 inches of rain falling in 1–2 hours, causing rapid rises in streams, rivers, or urban drainage systems, endangering lives.
The People Problem with Weather
Know Your Area – most people are not aware of areas that flood, until they flood.
Most people do not pay attention to weather forecasts until it becomes a warning and the tornado sirens are sounding, or its the day before a hurricane makes landfall, or time to get milk & break before the big snow storm!
Over time, farmland has increasingly been converted into residential developments. During this process, rivers and natural waterways that historically guided water flow are often redirected or altered. In cases of severe rainfall, natural watercourses tend to reclaim their original paths, frequently leading to flooding as nature prevails over human modifications. FEMA provides flood maps and other risk assessment tools here.
I created the Personal Preparedness Assessment workbook to help you assess your area, including susceptibility to natural disasters, including weather events, like tornadoes, hurricanes, and flash flooding.
Receiving Alerts and Warnings
There are multiple ways to receive these alerts and warnings and most are listed below. While some of these rely on your cell phone there are a number that do not rely on cellular coverage.
History and Evolution of Public Warning Sirens
Early Adoption and World War I
Public warning sirens are one of the earliest modern methods for alerting communities to emergencies. Their widespread use began in Europe during World War I (1914–1918), when they were employed to warn civilians of air raids. These early sirens marked a shift from manual methods like bells or horns, offering a louder and more reliable warning system.
Expansion in the United States
By the 1920s, sirens were adopted in the United States, primarily by fire departments in urban areas, replacing less effective tools like whistles. Their use expanded significantly during World War II (1939–1945), when the U.S. implemented siren systems for civil defense to alert the public of potential air raids. Post-WWII, during the Cold War (1940s–1980s), sirens became a cornerstone of civil defense strategies due to the threat of nuclear attack. The U.S. government installed extensive siren networks in urban areas to warn of Soviet air raids or missile strikes.
Shift to Natural Disasters
As the Cold War threat diminished in the 1990s, sirens were repurposed for natural disasters. They became critical in:
- Tornado Alley (e.g., Oklahoma, Kansas) for tornado warnings.
- Coastal regions (e.g., Florida, Texas) for hurricanes and storm surges.
By the 1970s, many communities relied on sirens to alert residents to severe weather events, ensuring rapid response to life-threatening conditions.
Specialized Uses
Sirens are also used near nuclear power plants within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) to warn of nuclear incidents, prompting evacuation or sheltering.
Technological Advancements
Advancements in technology have led to some sirens being replaced with electronic loudspeakers capable of delivering specific voice announcements about the type of threat. However, due to high maintenance costs, many localities continue to use traditional sirens, which produce distinct tones but lack detailed messaging.
Challenges of Siren Systems
A key challenge with sirens is their ambiguity. A single siren tone may signal various emergencies, including:
- Tsunami warning
- Tornado warning
- Flash flooding
- Nuclear power plant emergency planning zone evacuation
- Fire department volunteer callout
- Hazardous materials incident near industrial facilities
- Dam or levee failure
- Wildfire warning
This variety can confuse visitors or residents unfamiliar with local protocols, requiring secondary information sources to clarify whether to “duck and cover” or evacuate.
Historical Context: Pre-Digital Emergency Information
Before cell phones and modern alert systems, communities relied on printed resources like phone books. These thick directories, often 3-4″ thick, were delivered free to households. They included:
- Local landline numbers
- Yellow Pages for businesses and services
- Civil defense or emergency management sections
These sections often listed siren tones used in the area and their meanings, helping residents understand and respond to warnings effectively.
Siren System Costs
Cost is one major challenge with a siren system. This can range between $1,500-$2,600 per siren. For a small county with 10-20 sirens maintenance costs could range from $10,000 to $50,000. Depending on how the sirens are activated there could be software costs or subscriptions adding another $100-$500 per siren. Recent articles concerning Kerr County, Texas cite a proposal in 2017 for a system at $1 million with annual maintenance costs $30,000-$130,000, and this was the reason they didn’t install a siren system.
Modern Role
Today, sirens remain a vital part of emergency warning systems, especially in areas prone to rapid-onset disasters. However, they are often supplemented by digital alerts (e.g., Wireless Emergency Alerts) to provide clearer instructions and reach a broader audience.
The People Problem with Sirens
Sirens were designed for warning people who are outdoors. Modern house construction insulates much of the siren noise.
A 2015 study by the University of Oklahoma found that sirens producing 70 dB outdoors may drop to 40–50 dB inside well-insulated homes, below the 60 dB threshold for reliable audibility during normal activities (e.g., watching TV).
Monthly tests, conducted in most areas, tend to desensitize people to the sirens, or cause confusion where severe weather is predicted but not imminent.
With siren tests, someone needs to confirm they are working, just “testing” without feedback isn’t going to identify any ones that are not working. Trying to fix a siren in the middle of tornado season or other severe weather event isn’t ideal.
People who are visiting an area might not have any idea what to do when they hear a siren.
NOAA Weather Radio
The history of NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) reflects its evolution from a niche maritime service to a critical component of the U.S. emergency warning system. Below is a concise overview of its development, focusing on key milestones and its role in public safety.
Formal Launch (1958): The first official weather radio network, called the Weather Bureau Radio, was established, broadcasting on 162.55 MHz. These early broadcasts focused on marine and coastal weather, serving fishermen, boaters, and coastal communities.
Network Expansion (1967): The Weather Bureau, now under the newly formed Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA), expanded the network to include more inland stations. This marked the transition from a maritime-focused service to a public weather information system. The frequency 162.40 MHz was added to accommodate growing demand.
1970s: NOAA Weather Radio and National Reach: With the creation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the service was renamed NOAA Weather Radio. The NWS, now part of NOAA, took over operations, emphasizing continuous weather broadcasts and severe weather warnings.
The network grew significantly, with hundreds of stations added across the U.S. By the late 1970s, NWR covered most major population centers, using frequencies 162.400, 162.475, and 162.550 MHz. The service began broadcasting 24/7, providing forecasts, current conditions, and warnings.
NWR became a key tool for disseminating tornado, hurricane, and flood warnings, especially in rural areas where sirens were less common or effective. This complemented the repurposing of sirens for natural disasters during the same period, as discussed earlier.
1980s–1990s: Technological Advancements and Specific Alert Messaging (SAME): In the 1990s, NWR implemented SAME technology, enabling targeted alerts for specific geographic areas. This allowed radios to activate only for relevant warnings, reducing alert fatigue. SAME codes remain a cornerstone of NWR’s precision in 2025.
Receiver Adoption: The NWS promoted affordable weather radio receivers for homes, schools, and businesses, encouraging public adoption. By the late 1990s, NWR was a critical part of the Emergency Alert System (EAS), integrating with sirens and other warning methods.
2000s: Modernization and Integration: NWR modernized with improved audio quality and expanded coverage, reaching over 95% of the U.S. population by the early 2000s. New stations were added in remote areas, and the network adopted seven frequencies (162.400–162.550 MHz) to avoid interference.
All-Hazards Approach: NWR expanded beyond weather to include “all-hazards” alerts, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, chemical spills, and terrorism-related warnings, aligning with the multi-hazard role of modern sirens.
Public Awareness Campaigns: NOAA and FEMA promoted NWR as a vital tool for preparedness, especially in tornado-prone and coastal regions. Retailers began selling weather radios with SAME capability, boosting household use.
2010s–Present: Complementary Role and Challenges: Integration with Digital Systems: By the 2010s, NWR was integrated with Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and social media, forming a layered warning system alongside sirens. While NWR provides detailed, localized information, sirens serve as immediate outdoor alerts.
Smart Technology: Modern NWR receivers can connect to smartphones or smart home systems, and some apps stream NWR broadcasts, increasing accessibility.
Challenges
Public Awareness: Some communities underutilize NWR due to reliance on mobile alerts or lack of awareness, similar to the issue of siren tone confusion noted earlier.
Coverage Gaps: While NWR covers 95–97% of the U.S., remote areas may have weak signals, necessitating sirens or other methods. You can find your local NWS transmitter here.
Maintenance: Like sirens, NWR transmitters require upkeep, and budget constraints in some regions limit upgrades. You can see transmitter outages on a map here.
Current Reach: As of 2025, NWR operates over 1,000 transmitters nationwide, broadcasting continuous weather updates, warnings, and all-hazards alerts. It remains a primary source for detailed emergency information, especially in rural areas or during power outages when cell service may fail.
The People Problem with Weather Radio
Over the years, especially with the introduction of cell phones, people have gotten away from having a weather radio.
An alert sent over a weather radio goes to a whole county with the SAME codes, but only a small area might be impacted. This can cause desensitization.
Weather radios with SAME technology, so you can program to alert for just your county, as well as just specific weather events and alerts, are less than $100, many less than $50. Personally I have several of Midland HH54VP handheld type that run on AA batteries and are just weather radios, no walki-talkie or AM/FM radio (I can’t find them on Amazon any more but I did find a couple of places selling them including Walmart online).
I also have a couple of the ones with a hand crank, flashlight and include AM/FM radio stations but these do not have the ability to program SAME codes in. Looking at the options that come up when you search “weather radio with SAME technology” I notice a number that actually do NOT have SAME. In fact if they have an AM/FM or other radio like GMRS they probably do not have the SAME alerting capability, so be diligent before you purchase. For home use the Midland – WR120B is a good option.
You can find your local SAME code, as well as the weather event codes, here.
You can find the information for your local NOAA transmitters here.
You can program the NOAA frequencies into many scanners and ham radios but your will not be able to be alerted to just your county or specific events, you will hear the constant, repeating updates.
Amateur Radio and the National Weather Service
Amateur Radio operators (hams) have long collaborated with the NWS, particularly through programs like SKYWARN (established in the 1960s, formalized in the 1970s), where trained ham operators report real-time severe weather observations (e.g., tornado sightings) to NWS offices, complementing automated systems like NWR and IPAWS.
Since the 1920’s Amateur Radio operators were assisting during disasters (e.g., floods, hurricanes), providing communication when telegraph and phone lines failed. This role grew during World War I and II, though amateurs were often restricted from operating during wartime.
Programs such as the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES), established in 1935 by the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL), and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), created in 1952 as part of the Civil Defense program, have formalized and organized programs to assist in emergencies.
Many local clubs, as well as individual ham operators, own, operate and maintain repeaters. These are radio transmitters that receive and resend (repeat) a radio signal and can increase the range of even a handheld radio to 30-50 miles or more depending on the location. Many have emergency power. Some of the local clubs or operators will run a SKYWARN net when there is severe weather. Some of these repeaters are also programmed to rebroadcast severe weather warnings.
The local ham repeaters can be another source of information during severe weather. You can find repeaters at repeaterbook.com and listings usually include if they run a SKYWARN, as well as ARES and/or RACES emergency nets.
In recent years the Auxiliary Communications (AuxComm) program was formed as a framework that integrates Amateur Radio operators and other volunteer communication specialists into emergency management and public safety operations. It provides a structured approach to leveraging these volunteers to support government agencies during disasters or emergencies. This includes training in the National Incident Management System (NIMS), as well as introduction and integration into the Communications Unit (part of NIMS), to include the Communications Unit Leader (COML) and Communications Technician (COMT) positions. The AuxComm course (AUXC), as well as COML and COMT courses, are managed by State Interoperability Coordinators (SWIC). More information on contacting your SWIC to find out if they are offering courses in your area can be found here.
For more information on Amateur Radio, finding local repeaters, SKYWARN nets and more see the Amateur Radio section under the Communications tab.
My Family Emergency Plan workbook has a section for your Communications Plan that includes recording your local ham repeaters as well as SKYWARN and other emergency nets.
The People Problem with Amateur Radio
With the introduction of cellular phones and the elimination of toll-calls fewer people are getting into the Amateur Radio hobby.
Most don’t realize it is the only communications system that can be totally independent of terrestrial networks and therefore is not impacted due to power outages or the loss/destruction of cell towers. During hurricane Katrina it was the only means to get messages into and out of the areas of destruction for many days, unless you had a satellite phone.
Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)
The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) program, managed by FEMA, was established following Executive Order 13407, signed by President George W. Bush on June 26, 2006. This order directed FEMA to create a modernized, integrated system to consolidate and improve public alert and warning capabilities in the U.S., building on lessons from Hurricane Katrina (2005) and the need for a unified system post-9/11. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) was the precursor to IPAWS, but only used radio and TV broadcast stations.
For a more in-depth article on IPAWS see this page.
In 2010 IPAWS became operational with the adoption of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), enabling interoperability across alert systems like NOAA Weather Radio (NWR), the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and, later, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The first WEA test was conducted in 2011.
The last test of the national IPAWS notification was conducted on October 4, 2023. States conduct a monthly test of the EAS system mostly, occur without activating the receiving devices. Local alerting authorities are required to conduct a monthly proficiency test and this can be done on the live system or in a ‘sandbox’ closed demonstration system.
Local delivery methods can include variable message boards (those you see along highways), scrolling message boards (like you see in stores and malls), electronic signage boards (like those used for advertising), as well as small alerting devices that can be placed in hallways of schools, colleges, college housing, cinemas, theaters, convention centers and more.
Some states also utilize satellite technology to ensure that all their counties can send alerts regardless of terrestrial connectivity, and that broadcasters can receive those alerts.
IPAWS and National Weather Service
The NWS sends warnings through the IPAWS system for delivery to cell phones as Wireless Emergency Messages (WEA). Local broadcasters (TV & radio) receive the messages but they are not obligated to broadcast them to the public.
IPAWS and Local Emergency Management
FEMA gives any local, state, tribal or territorial authority free access to the IPAWS system, through an application process.
IPAWS users can select a number of providers of software that can send messages to the IPAWS system, and then to the public. The only cost the locality is the cost of the software they choose to use. That same software usually provides “opt-in” mass notification capabilities (see more below).
As mentioned above, the NWS sends severe weather messages, usually warnings and watches, through IPAWS and to your cell phone as WEA’s. The NWS can create a polygon to narrow the alert area to a specific location within the SAME code area. A SAME code is the same as a county FIPS code. Local authorities can choose to send their own messages to emphasize evacuation areas.
You can search to see if your local authority is an IPAWS user on the FEMA IPAWS website here.
While writing this article there was a Wireless Emergency Alert sent out by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency indicating that there was an outage of the 9-1-1 system statewide. While this alerts everyone in the state with cell phone coverage, or drives into an area with cell phone coverage while it is still an active alert, it doesn’t tell you what number to dial. If you are from out of the area and would have to search on the web, on your phone, to find it, after you first determine what county you are in.
Some local jurisdictions chose to send their own WEA’s and included their local number to call.
Other chose not to send a WEA but to post to their social media and/or send to their opt-in message service (see more on these below).
The People Problem with IPAWS Utilization
It is essential that local emergency management has a relationship with broadcasters in there area to broadcast severe warnings, as there are no Federal requirements for them to do so.
Local emergency managers should supplement NWS warnings with information before, during and after a local disaster. They should NOT rely on the NWS and people in the area knowing what areas to avoid, especially with flooding.
Local emergency managers should consider non-residents and use all the tools at their disposal when considering what messages to send and what pathways to use.
It should be noted that FEMA and the IPAWS program does not regulate or provide guidance on when a local authority should send a message and/or the IPAWS pathways that should use. It is a local decision that is also governed by their state. IPAWS does provide guidance on message structure as well as offers training to local authorities and provides 24-hour technical assistance to alerting authorities.
IPAWS Notifications and People with Cell Phones
One of the “problems” is that people don’t like getting WEA’s when they do not see the direct connection to them. Sometimes it is because they don’t understand the threat or its importance, such as a flash flood warning. Other times they don’t understand the relevance, such as an Amber Alert. Because of this they tend to disable the alerts.
People have the ability to disable most types of alerts on their phones.
iPhones: disabling or enabling IPAWS alerts
- Open Settings: Tap the Settings app on your iPhone’s home screen.
- Navigate to Notifications: Scroll down and tap Notifications.
- Locate Government Alerts: Scroll to the bottom of the Notifications screen to find the Government Alerts section.
- Toggle Alert Types:
- AMBER Alerts: Toggle on/off for alerts about missing children.
- Emergency Alerts: Toggle on/off for imminent threats (e.g., tornadoes, tsunamis, active shooters). Includes Severe and Extreme Imminent Threat Alerts.
- Public Safety Alerts: Toggle on/off for less urgent but critical public safety notifications.
- Test Alerts (U.S. only, requires iOS 15.6 or later): Toggle Test Alerts on/off in the Emergency Alerts sub-menu.
5. Enable Local Awareness (Optional, U.S. only): In the Emergency Alerts sub-menu, toggle Local Awareness on to use your approximate location for more timely and accurate alerts (e.g., Earthquake Alerts in California, Oregon, Washington).
Notes for iPhones:
- Mandatory Alerts: Presidential Alerts (national emergencies) cannot be disabled, per FCC regulations.
- Do Not Disturb: Emergency Alerts override Do Not Disturb mode, sounding even when the phone is silenced, unless toggled off.
- Silencing Alerts: Since iOS 14.5, state and local Emergency Alerts can be set to silent (no sound, only vibration/notification) via the Emergency Alerts sub-menu, but AMBER and Public Safety Alerts still produce sound if enabled.
- Availability: AMBER and Public Safety Alerts are not available in all countries. Check your local government’s alert policy.
- Apple Watch: Enabling/disabling alerts on your iPhone also applies to a paired Apple Watch. For family-managed Apple Watches, use the paired iPhone to adjust settings or install a Test Alerts profile (requires watchOS 8.4 or later).
Android: enabling or disabling IPAWS Alerts
- Open settings: Tap the Settings app on your Android device.
- Locate Emergency Alerts: Depending on your device and Android version, try one of these paths:
- Option 1: Tap Safety & Emergency > Wireless Emergency Alerts
- Option 2: Tap Apps & Notifications > Advanced > Wireless Emergency Alerts.
- Option 3: Tap Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts.
- Option 4: Open the Messages app, tap the Menu (three dots), then go to Settings > Advanced > Wireless Emergency Alerts.
- Option 5: Use the search bar in Settings and type “Emergency Alerts” or “Public Safety Messages.
3. Toggle Alert Types:
Allow Alerts: Toggle the main Allow Alerts switch to enable/disable all alerts (except mandatory ones like Presidential Alerts).
Specific alerts:
- Extreme Threats: Toggle on/off for life/property-threatening events (e.g., hurricanes, tsunamis).
- Severe Threats: Toggle on/off for less severe but urgent threats.
- AMBER Alerts: Toggle on/off for missing children alerts.
- Public Safety Messages: Toggle on/off for general safety notifications.
- Test Alerts: Toggle on/off for state/local test messages (often disabled by default).
- Vibration/Sound: Some devices allow toggling vibration or sound for alerts (e.g., Samsung One UI).
Samsung-Specific (e.g., Galaxy Devices):
- For Samsung devices (e.g., Galaxy A51, S22), go to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Wireless Emergency Alerts or search for “Emergency Alerts.” Toggle desired alerts. Older models (e.g., Android 10) may require Messages app > Settings > Emergency Alert History > Settings.
Notes for Android:
- Mandatory Alerts: Like iPhones, Presidential Alerts cannot be disabled. Some regions (e.g., Romania) may have other non-disableable alerts.
- Variation by Device: Settings paths differ by manufacturer (e.g., Samsung, Huawei, Google Pixel). Huawei devices on EMUI 11 or older require searching for “Emergency Alerts” and toggling “Extreme Threats,” “Severe Threats,” and “AMBER Alerts.”
- Software Updates: Ensure your device has the latest software (e.g., Android 11 or later for full WEA support). Some older devices (pre-4G) may not receive alerts.
- Wi-Fi Calling: Alerts can be received over Wi-Fi if the device supports “SMS over IP” and VoWiFi, even without cellular service.
- Troubleshooting: If alerts repeat excessively, power cycle the device to reset WEA reception.
The People Problem with IPAWS Notifications and their Cell Phones
People disable many of the alert types and therefore don’t get them. They then blame local emergency management that they weren’t sent.
In the instance above where I mentioned that Pennsylvania sent out a WEA due to the 9-1-1 outage I was at the local pool. Every cell phone there “should” have received that alert. I heard less than half-a-dozen.
IPAWS and Cell Phone Coverage
As mentioned, Wireless Emergency Alerts are sent to cell phones. Cellular providers report they cover 99% of the U.S. however a 2019 FCC investigation found that carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and US cellular overstated rural 4G LTE coverage, with actual coverage often lower than reported. The FCC’s 2021 coverage map indicates that combined 4G LTE and 5G coverage from major carriers leaves gaps, particularly in rural areas, mountainous regions, and national parks. This “gap” equates to about 500,000 square miles. Many people take vacations in mountains, which can be subject to wildfires, and national parks. Many do it because they can be disconnected from their cell phones.
There are services that provide the IPAWS alerts, and especially the severe weather ones, over satellite devices. Adiona Alert provides a service to send alerts directly to your Garmin inReach, ZOLEO, Bivy Stick or other satellite communicator devices. The service is very inexpensive once you have one of the devices.
I personally have a Garmin InReach mini that I carry as part of my P.A.C.E. Communications Plan, for more information on developing your communications plan see this article.
The People Problem with Cell Phone Coverage
People are so used to relying on their cell phone and assume their is coverage every where. Even when going into areas with known poor or no coverage they do not make plans to have an alternative means of communication, where to call for emergency assistance and/or receive life-threatening emergency alerts.
There’s an App for That
There are numerous app for smart phones that provide weather. As these are location based, if you allow them, they will provide weather for your location, and thus can also alert when there is severe weather. However, for them to work they must have internet service, either through you cell service or connected to a Wi-Fi.
Starlink
Starlink has been a real game changer for staying connected. Many people who go RV’ing stay connected with Starlink. Many times these are areas that do not have good, or any, cell coverage. With the introduction of the Starlink Mini many off-roaders are now putting them on their vehicles (there are numerous roof mounting options available).
Starlink is an internet service. It does not “push” weather alerts or IPAWS messages directly, you have to have your phone connected to it and, currently, have some app that is receiving weather alerts or opt-in notifications (see below).
Starlink and WEA’s (according to Grok)
Starlink, in partnership with T-Mobile, pushed Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) during Hurricane Helene in September 2024, enabling emergency alerts to be broadcast to cell phones across all networks in affected areas of North Carolina.
FCC Approval: On October 6, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted Special Temporary Authority (STA) to SpaceX and T-Mobile to operate Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite service in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. This allowed Starlink satellites to broadcast WEAs to all compatible smartphones in North Carolina, regardless of carrier, addressing widespread cellular outages (74% of cell towers were down in disaster areas at the peak).
SpaceX confirmed that its direct-to-cell satellites were activated and began broadcasting WEAs to cell phones on all networks in North Carolina by October 6, 2024. These alerts, part of the IPAWS framework, included critical emergency notifications for events like evacuations, severe weather, or rescue operations.
The service was critical in North Carolina, where Helene caused extensive flooding, power outages, and communication disruptions, isolating communities and hindering rescue efforts. Starlink’s ability to bypass damaged terrestrial infrastructure (e.g., cell towers) made it a vital lifeline.
Starlink and the future of WEA’s
With Starlink’s partnership with T-Mobile and their plan to enable SMS, voice calls and internet as they deploy more of their newer satellites it is conceivable that Starlink can deliver WEA’s to areas where there is no terrestrial cell coverage. It remains to be seen if this would be for all cell phones in that area or just T-Mobile devices. For more information on Starlink and T-Mobile see their article here.
OPT-IN Mass Notification Systems
Many local jurisdictions, schools, colleges, universities, and some businesses, offer opt-in mass notification systems. These systems enable individuals to register, or be enrolled, to receive alerts via text messages, emails, an app, voice phone calls, or all methods. Advanced platforms integrate with social media, automatically posting alerts to websites and platforms such as Facebook, X, and others, ensuring rapid and widespread dissemination of critical information.
As mentioned, you have to opt-in to these systems, unless your employer or a school automatically enrolls you. You can usually search your jurisdiction and “alerting” and find their signup page.
Nixle is service provided by Everbridge that their customers can send their messages to. It provides a common platform for signing up. You can send a text with any ZIP code to 888777 and if there is an agency that sends messages to that ZIP code you can enroll. You can also go to https://www.everbridge.com/products/nixle/ and sign up.
Advantages of Opt-In Mass Notification Systems
- With opt-in systems is you can get the message regardless of where you are. So you can stay in touch with what is going on in your community.
- Many of these opt-in systems can allow someone receiving the message to respond, i.e., a poll question like “do you need assistance to evacuate?” with an option to include their cell number, allowing someone can reach out to that person.
- These systems can automatically post the same message to social media platforms and websites, simplifying the process, and time, to post in multiple places.
- Predetermined groups can be contacted via multiple means with one message.
Disadvantages of Opt-In Mass Notification Systems
- If you haven’t signed up, or are visiting the area, and the local authority only uses their opt-in system you are not going to receive the message.
- Mass notification systems use standard SMS (text) service whereas IPAWS is a cellular broadcast. If a cell tower or network is degraded SMS might not work, or might be delayed, whereas cellular broadcasts are a higher priority.
The People Problem with Opt-In Mass Notification Systems
You have to know that the system exists and have signed up for it.
It requires you to have cellular service to receive the message.
Agencies need to understand the limitations of opt-in systems when sending messages that require immediate life-saving actions, like shelter-in-place or evacuate.
Final Thoughts
- Be aware of the risks and hazards in your area. Complete your Personal Preparedness Assessment workbook.
- Have a weather radio programmed with your SAME code(s).
- Pay attention to the weather.
- Have a Family Emergency Plan that includes a P.A.C.E. Communications Plan to keep your family informed and in touch.
- Consider signing up for your local “opt-in” notifications from your local jurisdictions, both home and work, if available
Remember, Fortune Favors the Prepared
Semper Paratus, Semper Gumby
“Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.” Sun Tzu