DENVER (KDVR) — If you’re in Denver on Wednesday at about 11 a.m., be aware: The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Denver 911 will be testing citywide alert systems.
Denver holds the test annually, checking that not only the Wireless Emergency Alert system and the Reverse Emergency Notification system are in proper working order.
However, that means a clamor of tones from cellphones across Denver will be heard at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Any cell phone that has the WEA system enabled and is located inside Denver County will be activated on Wednesday for the test.
The Sept. 10 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.
Other alerts are covered by the WEA, 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.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
