The tone and message was alerting residents to a blizzard warning issued by the National Weather Service early Wednesday morning.
The alerts are part of a national program called Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS).
CMAS immediately notifies users when a major event, such as a storm, a major threat or an AMBER Alert is issued.
The system works side by side with the Wireless Emergency Alerts.
All major carriers participate in the FEMA program.
HOW TO SHUT OFF THE ALERT
iPhone users: go in to your phone's settings, click on notifications, then select 'off' under the government alerts area.
Android Users: Go into the messaging part of your Android phone like you are sending a text message, then into messaging settings, here you will find the emergency alert settings. You can check and uncheck the boxes.
Here's a list of the alerts that are sent out, plus additional information from the Government:
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Warning Type
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CMAS Message
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Tsunami Warning
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Tsunami Warning in this area. Avoid coastal areas. Check local media. -NWS
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Tornado Warning
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Tornado Warning in this area til hh:mm tzT. Take shelter now. -NWS
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Extreme Wind Warning
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Extreme Wind Warning this area til hh:mm tzT ddd. Take shelter. -NWS
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Flash Flood Warning
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Flash Flood Warning this area til hh:mm tzT. Avoid flooded areas. Check local media. -NWS
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Hurricane Warning
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Hurricane Warning this area til hh:mm tzT ddd. Check local media and authorities. -NWS
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Typhoon Warning
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Typhoon Warning this area til hh:mm tzT ddd. Check local media and authorities. -NWS
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Blizzard Warning
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Blizzard Warning this area til hh:mm tzT ddd. Prepare. Avoid Travel. Check media. -NWS
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Ice Storm Warning
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Ice Storm Warning this area til hh:mm tzT ddd. Prepare. Avoid Travel. Check media. -NWS
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Lake Effect Snow Warning
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Lake Effect Snow Warning this area til hh:mm tzT ddd. Avoid travel. Check media. -NWS
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Dust Storm Warning
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Dust Storm Warning in this area til hh:mm tzT ddd. Avoid travel. Check local media. -NWS
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(KUSA-TV © 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)