The CMAS network allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to accept and aggregate alerts from the President of the United States, the National Weather Service (NWS), and state and local emergency operations centers. These notifications are then sent over a secure interface to the Appalachian Wireless network and then distributed to affected subscribers. Emergency alerts are classified in one of three categories:

Presidential Alerts -- Alerts for all Americans related to national emergencies, such as terrorist attacks, that will preempt any other pending alerts.

Imminent Threat Alerts -- Alerts with information on emergencies, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, where life or property is at risk, the event is likely to occur, and some responsive action should be taken.

Child Abduction Emergency/AMBER Alerts -- Alerts related to missing or endangered children due to an abduction or runaway situation.

The subscriber can opt out of receiving Imminent Threat and Child Abduction/AMBER alerts, but not Presidential Alerts. Also note that wireless emergency alerts may not be available on all devices or if a subscriber is outside of the Appalachian Wireless service area. For details on the availability of this service and wireless emergency capable devices, please visit any Appalachian Wireless location, or call customer service at 1-800-438-2355