On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Dakota 911 launched its first monthly test of the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system, part of a broader initiative to strengthen local emergency communication tools. The test was sent at 12 p.m. to WEA-enabled mobile devices across Dakota County.

Going forward, Dakota 911 will conduct these tests on the first Wednesday of each month at noon. The goal is to ensure the alert system works as intended and that residents are familiar with how emergency alerts appear on their phones. Most phones have this feature turned off by default, but users can opt in through device settings. Test alerts will be clearly marked and may be sent anytime between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on testing days.

Wireless Emergency Alerts are short messages sent through cell towers to phones in a targeted area. Dakota 911 is authorized to send these alerts as part of the federal Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS), managed in partnership with FEMA. These alerts are free to the public, don’t require an app, and can reach people quickly when time is critical. While WEA messages go to mobile devices, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) sends similar notifications to TV and radio. Dakota 911 uses EAS much less frequently.

WEA alerts are designed to warn the public about severe threats, such as tornadoes, hazardous materials, active shooters, or rapidly spreading fires. They can also be used for public safety messages after an emergency, to report 911 service disruptions, or to ask for help locating missing or endangered individuals, like an autistic child or a person with dementia. These alerts are intentionally brief, limited to 360 characters, and include the name of the issuing agency, a description of the situation, the affected area, and any immediate actions people should take.

Some residents may wonder why they didn’t receive an alert when others nearby did. This can happen due to poor cellular reception, phone settings like airplane mode or Wi-Fi-only operation, or the device being opted out of alerts altogether. Occasionally, alerts might reach people just outside the intended area, depending on how signals bounce between towers.

Importantly, the public is urged not to call 911 with questions about alerts unless they have information directly related to the emergency. Emergency communications staff want to keep lines open for actual emergencies and incoming tips that can assist responders.

As mobile technology evolves, the delivery of alerts will become more precise and consistent. Dakota 911 encourages residents to visit Dakota911mn.gov to learn how to adjust alert settings, understand what different types of alerts mean, and stay informed in future emergencies.