Twitter Launches Emergency Alert System

Twitter has launched Twitter Alerts, a system enabling public institutions and NGOs to send emergency alerts via text message, as well as to push notifications in times of crisis. 

The system requires users to sign up to receive such notifications from specific accounts. A text message or a notification will be sent if an alert comes through.

"Twitter Alerts is a new feature that brings us one step closer to helping users get important and accurate information from credible organizations during emergencies, natural disasters or moments when other communications services aren’t accessible,” the announcement reads.


Twitter is already collaborating with some 70 entities for the new system, including The American Red Cross and FEMA, as well as the World Health Organization. Aside from the United States, organizations from Korea and Japan can be found on the same list.

The feature works with several apps, including Twitter for iPhone versions 5.10 or higher and Android 4.1.6 and higher.