FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — Don’t be alarmed if you hear an alert on your phone on Wednesday afternoon — it’s only a test.
Fort Bend County Homeland Security & Emergency Management says it will conduct a countywide test of the emergency alert system at 4 p.m. today. The test uses the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), which sends Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) directly to cellphones in the area.
How to check alert settings on your phone
For iPhone (iOS):
- Go to Settings
- Tap Notifications
- Scroll down to Government Alerts
- Turn ON Emergency Alerts and Public Safety Alerts
For Android:
- Open Settings
- Tap Apps & notifications (or similar)
- Tap Emergency Alerts or Cell Broadcasts
- Turn ON Emergency Alerts and Public Safety Alerts
Tips to make sure you get the alert
- Keep your phone’s volume and vibration turned on so you don’t miss it
- Alerts are free, and no personal information is collected
Fort Bend County officials say today’s test helps ensure that critical warnings reach the community quickly during real emergencies.
“Today’s test helps ensure alerts reach our community when it matters most. Thank you for participating and staying prepared,” the county’s post read…