How to Turn Off Amber Alerts: A Comprehensive Guide
Amber Alerts are notifications that are issued to mobile devices to spread information regarding missing or abducted children. These alerts are broadcasted by authorities to ensure that the public is aware of the situation and can provide any information that may assist in finding the child. Although Amber Alerts serve a noble purpose, some people might want to know how to disable them. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to turn off Amber Alerts.
Why Turn Off Amber Alerts?
Before we explore how to turn off Amber Alerts, it is important to discuss why someone might want to opt-out of them. People may find Amber Alerts annoying or may not believe they are relevant to their personal circumstances. It is also possible for someone to disable Amber Alerts to avoid interfering with their daily routine or sleep. However, it is important to note that these alerts often lead to successfully recovering missing persons, and staying informed during emergencies is a civic duty for everyone.
When it comes to emergency situations, every second counts. Amber Alerts provide an efficient way of disseminating crucial information to citizens. Turning them off can not only affect the chances of finding the missing person but can also hinder the timeliness and efficiency of the system. Therefore it is essential to only disable Amber Alerts after weighing all the pros and cons.
How to Turn off Amber Alerts on Specific Mobile Devices
The steps to turn off Amber Alerts may vary based on the specific mobile device and operating system. Here are the step-by-step instructions for turning off Amber Alerts on iPhone, Android, or Windows-based smartphones:
Turning Off Amber Alerts on iPhone
To turn off Amber Alerts on iPhone, follow these steps:
- Open the settings app.
- Click on the ‘Notifications’ option.
- Scroll down to the bottom until you see the ‘Government Alerts’ toggle.
- Turn off the toggle switch for ‘Amber Alerts’.
Turning Off Amber Alerts on Android
To turn off Amber Alerts on Android, follow these steps:
- Open the settings app.
- Select ‘Apps and Notifications’ or ‘Apps’ depending on your Android version.
- Tap ‘Advanced’ followed by ‘Emergency Alerts’.
- Toggle off the ‘Amber Alert’ button to stop receiving alerts.
Turning Off Amber Alerts on Windows-Based Smartphones
To turn off Amber Alerts on Windows-based smartphones, follow these steps:
- Open the settings app.
- Choose the ‘Notifications and Actions’ option.
- Scroll to the ‘Get Notifications from these senders’ section.
- Locate ‘AMBER Alerts’ and toggle it off.
Alternative Alerting Systems
Amber Alerts are vital for missing children protection; however, some individuals may want to opt-out of receiving them. Fortunately, there are alternative notification systems that can be used in lieu of Amber Alerts.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
WEA is a public alerting system used to broadcast alerts in emergency situations on LTE-enabled devices. The alerts are sent by authorized government agencies and are location-specific. Although these messages are similar to Amber Alerts, they disseminate information for other types of emergency situations like hurricanes, tornadoes, and flash floods.
Third-Party Apps
Third-party apps that are specifically developed for emergencies are an excellent option for receiving notifications about natural disasters, weather alerts, and Amber Alerts. Some of the popular apps that provide these features include The American Red Cross, FEMA, Weather Channel, etc. By using local weather and news apps, the user may also receive timely updates regarding emergencies and Amber Alerts.
Local Media
The traditional approach can also be used to stay informed on emergency situations. By subscribing to the local television news channels or subscribing to the local newspapers, you can stay informed about the alerts and take necessary actions.
The Importance of Amber Alerts
The public and the media are the main watchdogs in tracking down missing children, and Amber Alerts play a vital role in this regard.
Amber Alerts are named after Amber Hagerman, a 9-year old victim who was abducted and murdered in 1996 in Texas.
Since its inception, Amber Alerts have helped recover missing children in 965 cases with a success rate of 98.7%. Amber Alerts provide a powerful tool in distributing immediate relevant information to the public, including vehicle details, license plates, and the child’s description. This real-time information ensures that the public is aware and can keep a lookout for the missing child, increasing the probability of their safe recovery.
In addition to the recovered cases, Amber alerts have helped deter individuals from committing kidnapping and abductions. In a study conducted by the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, it has been shown that Amber alerts have raised the awareness of potential abductors about their likelihood of getting caught.
Implications of Turning off Amber Alerts
Turning off Amber Alerts on a mobile device can have potential ramifications during an emergency situation.
Amber Alerts are an example of the Wireless Emergency Alert System. It is a system used to alert citizens of imminent dangers such as inclement weather and missing persons. As mentioned earlier, it is crucial to keep the Amber Alert notifications on as it enhances the efficaciousness of the alerting system. In case of an emergency, individuals who have opted out of Amber Alerts on their mobile devices will not receive such valuable life-saving notifications.
Laws and Regulations Related to Amber Alerts
The Amber Alert system has a specific protocol to follow when issuing an alert. The process is regulated by Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Part 11 rules, which outline the public’s responsibilities and the protocols to follow in emergency situations. The FCC has stated that disabling or modifying the emergency alert system is a Federal crime under the 2006 Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act.
Conclusion
It is always crucial to stay informed during an emergency. Amber Alerts are a valuable tool for getting information about missing children to the public quickly. While some people may find them annoying, it is essential to know how to turn them off and when to keep them on. Disabling Amber Alerts can lead to severe consequences during an emergency. We hope that this guide has provided you with a better understanding of Amber Alerts and how to turn them off or on.
