Stay safe and informed by signing up for official emergency alerts from the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Receive real-time notifications about severe weather, wildfires, earthquakes, and other emergencies directly to your phone or email.
Washington State offers a variety of emergency alert systems to help keep you informed and safe. The Washington State EMD Alert & Warning Notifications page connects you to official channels for real-time alerts about severe weather, tsunamis, public safety threats, and more. Because alerts are managed by both federal and local agencies, you may need to sign up for multiple services to receive the most complete coverage for your area. Explore the links below to opt in to local notifications and learn about statewide systems like Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and specialized alerts for hazards such as tsunamis.
Why Sign Up for Emergency Alerts?
- Immediate Updates: Get critical information as emergencies unfold.
- Local & Statewide Coverage: Receive alerts tailored to your county or region.
- Multiple Channels: Alerts are sent via text, email, radio, TV, and social media.
- Stay Prepared: Know what actions to take to protect yourself and your family.
How to Get Emergency Alerts
- Sign Up Online: Visit the EMD Washington State Alert & Warning Notifications page and select your county to register for local alerts via text or email.
- Enable Alerts on Your Phone: On most smartphones, you can turn on “Emergency Alerts” and “Public Safety Alerts” in your device settings. Some devices allow you to set alerts to “Always Deliver.”
- Listen for Broadcast Alerts: The Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts urgent messages via radio and TV.
Who Should Use These Services?
- All Washington State residents
- Visitors and travelers in the region
- Businesses, schools, and community organizations
- Anyone wanting timely emergency information
- Sign up for both state and local alerts for full coverage.
- Add alert numbers and emails to your contacts to avoid missing notifications.
- Review and update your alert preferences regularly.
- Share sign-up info with family and neighbors.
- Practice your emergency plan so you’re ready to act.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I sign up for local emergency alerts?
- Go to the WA EMD Alert & Warning Notifications page and follow the instructions to register for local and other emergency alerts.
- What types of emergencies will I be notified about?
- Alerts cover severe weather, wildfires, earthquakes, floods, hazardous materials, and other public safety threats.
- Are these alerts free?
- Most alerts are free, but standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your carrier.
- Can I get alerts in other languages?
- Some local systems offer multilingual alerts. Check with your county’s emergency management office for options.
- How can I get alerts if I don’t use a smartphone?
- You can receive alerts via email, landline, radio, and TV. Choose the method that works best for you.
For more emergency and disaster resources, visit My Washington Portal | GovOneStop .