How to Activate Emergency Alert Feature on your Mobile Phone

Now, you can get free emergency alerts on your mobile phone when you’re within a disaster or emergency zone. Here’s how to enable this feature:

For Android devices:

1. Go to your phone’s default Messaging app

2. Tap the Menu button and select Settings

3. Select Cell Broadcast. Note: Some phone models refer to Cell Broadcasts as Wireless Alerts, Emergency Alerts, or Broadcast Channels

4. Tap or slide the switch to turn on Cell Broadcast. Note: Some Android phones do not receive alerts from all channels by default. If you are asked to add a specific channel, type in Channel 728

For iOS devices:

1. Make sure you have the latest iOS version installed (iOS 10.2 and up, and carrier version SMART 27.1)

2. Go to Settings and select Notifications

3. Scroll down to see the switches for AMBER Alerts and Emergency Alerts. Tap or slide the switches to activate

How is this all possible?

Smart Communications has invested in cell broadcast technology, allowing Smart’s users within a specified location to receive timely and accurate warnings from authorized government sources during calamities or threats. During emergencies or calamities, mobile users should receive an emergency alert – a very loud siren-like sound will go off with a corresponding message about the emergency flashed onscreen.

Smart Communications has made it possible for agencies like the Philippine Institute of Volcanic and Seismology (PHILVOLCS), the Natural Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as well as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to send free warning alerts straight to Smart users’ mobile phones in accordance to RA No 10649 of 2014 aka the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act.