Live emergency alert test next week will be first for Rockwall County
Jun. 17—With an eye toward always being prepared, the Rockwall County Office of Emergency Management will send a live test message through the IPAWS system on June 28.
IPAWS — or the integrated public alert and warning system — is an alert and warning system managed by FEMA that allows authorities to broadcast emergency alerts and warnings to the public through multiple channels, including cable, satellite radio and cellphone systems. The system is designed to get important information to as many people as possible.
When the IPAWS test is sent, it is believed to only trigger a wireless emergency alert to cell phones that have chosen to receive WEA tests. However, because this is the first time Rockwall County has performed the test, officials can't say for certain if that will be the case next week. The test could hit all cell phones. It could also hit the emergency alert system, which is TV, radio and weather radio emergency alerts.
The alert will say "Test: RCOEM is testing IPAWS. Visit rockwallcountytexas.com/1261 for more info. Test over."
IPAWS broadcasts different types of information, including tornado emergencies, Amber alerts, presidential alerts or any other threat to life or property. The alerts are received by cell phones, computers, radio, TV, road signs and sirens.
County officials say to contact your cell phone provider for information on how to activate/deactivate wireless emergency alerts on your phone. For more information, go to rockwallcountytexas.com/1261.
