On October 19, 2023, the FCC adopted requirements that Participating Commercial Mobile Service Providers support template Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) messages in the 13 most commonly spoken languages in the United States, as well as English and American Sign Language (ASL). Below are demonstrative ASL videos. These videos are not final and are presented solely for the purpose of seeking comment on what the final templates should be. Participating Commercial Mobile Service Providers and emergency managers should not implement these proposed templates at this time. The ASL videos should not be used to convey emergency information or for any other purpose. For more information about the FCC’s work to develop multilingual WEAs, visit: https://www.fcc.gov/multilingual-wireless-emergency-alerts
If there are any questions, please contact Joshua Gehret at Joshua.Gehret@fcc.gov. People who use videophones and are fluent in ASL may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432-2275 (videophone).
911 Outage Alert
911 OUTAGE ALERT in this area. Please contact police, fire, medical, or other emergency services directly at their local phone numbers in case of emergency. If you dial 911, you may not get help.
Avalanche Warning
AVALANCHE WARNING in this area. Unstable, fast-moving snow can happen quickly, causing injury or death and can block roads and damage property in affected areas. LEAVE this area. DO NOT return to area after evacuation until directed by local officials. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avalanches may run long distances.
Boil Water Advisory
BOIL WATER ALERT issued for your area. Water in your community can make you sick. Use bottled water if available. Do not drink, cook with, brush your teeth with, or clean your home with tap or filtered water until you boil it. Bring water to a full rolling boil for THREE MINUTES. Let water cool before use. Do not use ice made with water that has not been boiled. If you use formula to feed your child, use ready-to-use formula. Make sure pets do not drink water that has not been boiled. Check local media.
Dust Storm Warning
DUST STORM WARNING for this area. Be ready for sudden drop to zero visibility. Pull Aside, Stay Alive! When visibility drops, pull far off the road and put your vehicle in park. Turn the lights off and keep your foot off the brake. Infants, the elderly and those with respiratory issues urged to take precautions.
Earthquake Warning
EARTHQUAKE DETECTED! Drop, Cover, Hold On. Protect Yourself.
Evacuation Immediate
EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. Evacuation order issued in your area. Evacuate your family and pets now, do not delay. Watch for public safety personnel operating in the area and follow their instructions.
Extreme Wind Warning
An EXTREME WIND WARNING is in effect for this area for the immediate danger of life-threatening winds. Take cover NOW in an interior room of a sturdy building, away from windows. Protect your head from flying debris. Do NOT go out in the calm of the hurricane eye! Winds will quickly become dangerous again.
Fire Warning
FIRE WARNING in this area. Evacuate your family and pets now, do not delay. Visibility in area will be reduced and roads can become blocked. If you do not leave now, you could be trapped, injured, or killed. Expect reduced visibility, heavy smoke, and difficulty breathing. Be careful when driving. Watch for public safety personnel operating in the area and follow their instructions.
Flash Flood Warning
A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY in effect for this area. This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.
Hazardous Materials Warning
A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS release has occurred in your area. Exposure may cause difficulty breathing, loss of coordination, burning sensation in eyes, nose, throat, or lungs, nausea, and possibly death. LEAVE this area. IF DRIVING to evacuate area, keep car windows and vents closed. DO NOT return to area after evacuation until directed by local officials.
Hurricane Warning
A HURRICANE WARNING is in effect for this area for dangerous and damaging winds. This warning is issued up to 36 hours before hazardous conditions begin. Urgently complete efforts to protect life and property. Have food, water, cash, fuel, and medications for 3+ days. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS FROM LOCAL OFFICIALS.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING in effect for this area for DESTRUCTIVE 80 mile per hour winds. Take shelter in a sturdy building, away from windows. Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter.
Shelter in Place Warning
SHELTER IN PLACE WARNING issued in your area. Danger in your area. Go inside to an interior room, close the doors and windows, and stay where you are. Check local media. Stay alert and use caution.
Snow Squall Warning
SNOW SQUALL WARNING in effect for this area. Slow down or delay travel! Be ready for a sudden drop to near zero visibility and icy roads in heavy snow.
Storm Surge Warning
STORM SURGE WARNING is in effect for this area for the danger of life-threatening flooding. This warning is issued up to 36 hours before hazardous conditions begin. Urgently complete efforts to protect life and property. Follow evacuation orders if given for this area to avoid drowning or being cut off from emergency services.
Test Alert
THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. The purpose is to maintain and improve alert and warning capabilities at the federal, state, local, Tribal and territorial levels and to evaluate the nation’s public alert and warning capabilities. No action is required by the public.
Tornado Warning
TORNADO EMERGENCY. Tornado spotted in this area. This is a life-threatening situation. Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Check media.
Tsunami Warning
TSUNAMI WARNING. A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you. You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return.