Los Angeles iPhone Emergency Alerts
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) arrive with the same ear-splitting siren blast whether the message is a test or notification of an incoming ballistic missile.
There’s no way to adjust the volume or change the tone, and if you’re wearing headphones, even the most banal alert will leave you stunned and momentarily deafened.
These alerts are turned on by default when you buy an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch.
Can I Turn Off Emergency Notification On The iPhone?
Yes. . . . but without emergency and AMBER alerts, you might miss something important. The idea that you’ll remember to turn them back on during a period of crisis is a silly one. Most of us can’t even remember our passwords.
Still, life is about choices . . . so if you wish to turn off alerts on the iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Notifications. Scroll to the bottom of the page.
- Turn off AMBER Alerts, Emergency Alerts and Public Safety Alerts.
Exit back to Home screen.
What Do These Different Government Alerts Mean?
AMBER Alerts – This is a child abduction emergency alert . . . so don’t turn it off. Actually, go into your iPhone and make sure it’s turned on. You can learn more at Wikipedia.
Emergency Alerts – Imminent Threat Alerts that include extreme weather, and other threatening emergencies in your area. This can include Presidential Alerts made during a national emergency.
Public Safety Alerts – Alerts that are less severe in nature than Imminent Threat Alerts.
You’ll also receive Test Alerts from time to time that will give you a fright, but are otherwise harmless.
According to Apple, Test Alerts are turned OFF by default. I haven’t found that to be the case.
Apple provide the following instructions:
- Open the Phone app and tap Keypad.
- To turn on: Enter *5005*25371# and tap the green call button. You’ll get an alert that says “Test alerts enabled.”
- To turn off: Enter *5005*25370# and tap the green call button. You’ll get an alert that says “Test alerts disabled.”
That’s it. Stay safe and have a great week.
