Mandatory Emergency Alert Messages Coming Soon To A Phone Near You

The Personal Localized Alerting Network is coming soon to a cell phone near you.

The PLAN was announced back in May.  It is a new system of alerting citizens of Emergency Alert messages via their cell phones.  All major cell carriers will comply with it.  Most new cell phones already have the necessary chip installed and are ready to begin receiving messages.

The alerts are designed to mimic the tests you already know from radio and television.  Your personal cell phone will emit a custom tone or a custom vibration alerting you of a test or message.

Emergency text messages will include anything from those from the President to amber alerts and public safety threats.  Severe weather threats like tornadoes could also be included.

You have the option to block messages except those from the President.

Sprint is the first mobile carrier to roll out the service with the other major carriers expected to be compliant by the end of 2012.