And this is what I see when I go to check my phone (the alert was pushed out like an hour ago, but I didn't hear or see it because my phone was on silent).
The alert today was done with The Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) used by FEMA which defines a digital format which can go out to many systems including game consoles and digital road signs.
The test today required coordination with many public and private organizations. An alert like we received today should be used to alert people in the event of fires like the one on Maui recently to give them a chance to protect themselves.
@hakirsch When I heard that sound today I thought, "How many unfortunate people are about to get the hell beat out of them."
The biggest issue I've read centers around it alerting abusers that the abused has a secret cellphone they use for their own safety. I know my iPhone has setting to turn off Amber alerts, as well as emergency alerts or turn off the sound on the same. Not sure if that disables the national alert. Don't know if the setting is available on the cheapest phone.
No action is required by the public, but I think an elective spontaneous dance party is a good option, ideally with a family pet if they’re available. 🕺🏻 🐕
Hm, I'd rate the alert a solid 7/10 - not as loud, piercing, and annoying as a smoke detector, but definitely a teeth-gritting edge, something that really feels like the aural equivalent of sand in the crotch.
@keturah the first one was a long solid tone, second and third were a series of shorter beeps but still not quick. kind of like the end-of-test alerts on television EAs. Maybe it’s related? But why twice?
I was the only person in the kindergarten whose phone went berserk at 16:07, but around 20 minutes later in the supermarket, several phones buzzed - but not mine.
Also, I'm not sure "heavy rain" deserves a weather warning to every device in the city.