Why is everyone’s phone ringing? Denver to test Wireless Emergency Alert system

DENVER (KDVR) — Thousands of phones in Denver will light up Thursday morning, all blaring the same tone and sharing the same message as the Denver Office of Emergency Management tests the Wireless Emergency Alert system.

Denver announced the test on Monday as part of its recognition of National Preparedness Month. All mobile phones that have the Wireless Emergency Alert system enabled and that are located inside Denver County will be activated on Thursday at 11 a.m. for the test.

The Sept. 12 test will be conducted on all phones that are located within the city and county of Denver during the test, no matter where the phones are registered or if they belong to individuals who live outside of Denver. The system is used to alert residents of critical warnings, such as severe weather, public safety threats and local emergencies.

However, there are other alerts that the WEA covers, including : National alerts, which are issued by the president or administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; imminent threats, which involve imminent threats to safety or life; AMBER Alerts, for missing children; and public safety messages, which have recommendations for saving lives and property.

The test serves two purposes according to the city: First, it ensures the system is functional if local authorities need to use it.

Second, it familiarizes members of the public with how the alert system works. That way, individuals will know what to expect in the event of a real emergency. The only way to receive the alert is to have government notifications allowed in the device’s system settings .

More information about the WEA test or how to prepare for emergencies is available on the Denver Office of Emergency Management’s Facebook and X pages .

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