Cochise County to conduct Wireless Emergency Alert test on May 16, 2025

The Cochise County Emergency Management Department will conduct a test of the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 12:00 PM (noon).

This test will send a live WEA message to smartphones across the county. The message will read:
"TEST: Cochise County Wireless Emergency Alert. No action required. This is a test of the emergency alert system."

The purpose of this test is twofold:

  • System Validation in a Live Environment: Unlike our regular monthly tests conducted in a controlled environment, this test will evaluate system performance in real-world conditions.
  • Public Awareness and Familiarization: Residents will have an opportunity to see and hear what an official Wireless Emergency Alert looks and sounds like. This helps ensure the public can recognize legitimate emergency alerts issued by Cochise County in the future.

The test will also highlight the key differences between Wireless Emergency Alerts and traditional notifications or alerts from mobile apps.

What to Expect:

  • Most residents with smartphones will receive the test message.
  • Receipt of the message may vary depending on the age, make, and operating system of your device.
  • No app is required to receive the alert.
  • If you do not receive the message, it’s possible that test alerts are disabled on your device.

How to Check Your Settings:

  • Android: Go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts.
  • iOS (Apple): Go to Settings > Notifications > Government Alerts.

Wireless Emergency Alerts are part of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a national program managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more information about WEA or emergency preparedness in Cochise County, visit: https://www.cochise.az.gov/287/Emergency-Management.