Silver Alerts now included in wireless emergency text alerts

PHOENIX — In an effort to expand its reach of Silver Alerts in the state, the Arizona Department of Public Safety is implementing the use of wireless emergency text alerts.

Much like Amber and Blue alerts, Silver Alerts — alerts specified for anyone missing who is 65 years or older or has a developmental disability — will be sent to phones once activated.

“We’ve upgraded out system to the Integrated Public Alert Warning System … so now we’re using IPAWS to send messages out to the public to notify them of the Sliver and Blue alerts and Amber Alerts,” Chrystal Moore, DPS alert coordinator, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Wednesday.

“So they’ll be getting that information in a timely manner and across their telephones.”

Moore added the messages will be sent regionally based on where the person initially went missing.

Last year, there were 103 Silver Alerts activated in Arizona, according to DPS.

With the implementation of the emergency alerts, Moore and DPS are hoping the messages not only help limit the amount of time someone is missing but increase the chances of finding the person in good health.

“The Silver Alerts were never included in wireless emergency alerts so there was a portion of the population that was not receiving that information,” Moore said. “So this just allows us to have a larger audience looking for the missing person who may have dementia or Alzheimer’s and be a vulnerable adult that needs to be recovered.”

Those who do not want to receive the messages can opt out of the notifications through the settings on their devices, Moore added.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Martha Maurer contributed to this report.

Follow @Tdrake4sports