San Francisco to test Wireless Emergency Alert system tonight

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- If your phone receives an emergency alert Thursday night, don't panic!

San Francisco will be conducting a test of the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system.

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All cellphones in San Francisco will receive an alert between 5:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

The WEA system, which is the same system used for Amber Alerts, can send emergency alerts to anyone with a WEA-capable device, even if they are visiting from another state or roaming.

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It would be used for urgent life-safety emergencies.

Here is more information about the Wireless Emergency Alert system.