ALL CELL PHONES WITH WIRELESS EMERGENCY
ALERT CAPABILITY WILL NOW
RECEIVE AMBER
ALERTS IN MARYLAND
(Pikesville, Maryland) – AMBER Alert notifications are now being sent to every
wireless emergency alert (WEA) compliant cell phone in the area of the
alert.
Effective immediately, AMBER Alert notifications in Maryland will
be sent to all cell phones with wireless emergency alert compatibility in the
state. Previously, AMBER Alerts were only received on your cell phone if you had
visited a website and chose to ‘opt’ in. This no longer applies to the new AMBER
Alert cell phone notification system.
The wireless emergency alert uses a
loud tone, similar to the emergency alert system (EAS) messages on radio or
television, to notify the public. Additional to the audible sounds, the system
will also send a ninety character text message with basic information concerning
the AMBER Alert. If you travel outside of Maryland, you will continue to receive
alerts issued in the areas you visit.
Since inception, the AMBER Alert
system has been instrumental in the safe recovery of 602 children nationwide.
The AMBER Alert signals a critical life or death situation. This new system will
allow the alert to reach more of the public, and enlist their eyes to help find
an abducted child and aid in their safe recovery.
Users who choose not to
receive the AMBER Alert can contact their cell phone service provider or shut
off the alerts in the “alert/notifications” section of their cellular phone. If
the phone is placed on vibrate or silent, the audio tone will not be
heard.
The FCC, FEMA and the Wireless Association (CTIA) assisted in the
development of this new “Commercial Mobile Alert System”, to notify the public
of certain emergencies. Included in this new system is the new AMBER Alert cell
phone notification.
Maryland instituted the AMBER Alert program in
August of 2002. To date Maryland has issued 33 AMBER Alerts. The AMBER Alert is
issued for abducted children only and must meet strict criteria. An AMBER Alert
can be requested by law enforcement only. The system is not utilized for Silver
Alerts.
For FAQ’s and more information, visit:
FEMA:
http://www.fema.gov.commercial-mobile-alert-system
DOJ:
http://www.amberalert.gov/#
CTIA:
http://www.ctia.org/consumerinfo/safety/index.cfm/AID/12082
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Submitted: Maryland State Police
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