Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to right sidebar Skip to footer

Stay Alert and Stay Informed

MEMA’s “Be Prepared” Homepage |

Wireless Emergency Alerts
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are short text-like messages sent to cellphones in an affected area. WEAs are generated automatically when the National Weather Service issues warnings for the most severe weather conditions, including tornados, flash floods, and hurricanes. WEAs also are issued for other types of emergencies, including AMBER alerts. In Massachusetts, MEMA has the ability to issue WEAs for all types of imminent threats and hazards. You do not need to subscribe to any service to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts; the alerts are sent to all WEA-enabled devices in an impacted or threatened area, and most newer cell phones are automatically enabled to receive WEAs. MEMA encourages residents to check their cellphone settings to ensure that WEAs are enabled to be able to receive emergency alerts.

Massachusetts Mobile App Alerts
The Massachusetts Alerts app provides weather warnings from the National Weather Service and emergency alerts and information from MEMA based on your location, proximity to an event or incident, and the preferences you select. The free Massachusetts Alerts app is available for Android and iPhone devices.

For Apple iPhones
Go to Settings > Notifications
Scroll to the bottom in the “Government Alerts” section and make sure that “AMBER Alerts” and “Emergency Alerts” are turned on.

For Android Phones
Go to Messages > Settings OR you may have an “Emergency Alerts” icon
Go to the “Emergency Alerts” section and make sure that “Extreme Alert”, “Severe Alert” and “AMBER Alerts” are turned on.

For other cell phone models or for technical information, contact your cell phone carrier.

Click here see our FAQ and to learn more about Massachusetts Mobile Alerts.