2013 a new year and new updates, text messages will now be sent not only to those who signed up for Amber Alert Notifications but to all cell phones in the area.
In the past the Amber Alerts has gone out to people who signed up, to media, TV stations, radio stations and message boards on high ways. The Alerts will now also, starting in 2013, go out to all smart phones that are wireless emergency alert compatible.
This will include the iPhones, Blackberry, HTC and more. You don`t have to sign up and there are no fees for the alerts.
96{76ac33845123b25982ffda0eb6f606179ce899e677f3c86d035d7b9fa6b6d307} of the population has a cell phone, this will help get the alert out to more people faster.
Another update is who the alert is targeting. In the past it was based on your home zip code, today it is now based on your location, where you are at, they are using the cell towers to notify cell phone users in that area.
Great new updates for the Amber Alert Emergency system to get the message out there quicker and more efficiently.
Now we are waiting for the 911 text messaging service to go live 2014.
I got an alert at 9:15 that not only woke me up, but scared my 88 year old mother with a heart condition! I do not think this is a good idea! If someone signs up for them that is one thing, but to have that blaring alert can be detrimental. People driving could be scared by the sound, If your sleeping or have an illness it is very scary and it can be fatal!
Mass needs to rethink how to do this. I am all for amber alerts but people please, consider the ill and elderly!
Thank you for commenting, you have a very valid point.