Via LLRX – How to Sign Up for Local Emergency Alerts Before Natural Disasters Strike – Natural disasters have affected nearly 90 percent of U.S. counties since 2013, and while many households know about preparing emergency kits, a recent FEMA survey found a large drop in how many people are signed up to receive emergency alerts and warnings. Early warning systems save lives during disasters. To ensure you can receive these warnings via your phone, text, or email, Natasha Uzcátegui-Liggett, recommends and walks you through turning on your phone’s alerts and signing up for your local government’s emergency alert system.