Wireless text-like emergency alert messages accompanied by a high-pitched squeal were sent to cellphone users in five Western states last week during the hunt for James Lee DiMaggio after he abducted a young girl. California lawmakers are taking a look at the technology used in last week's San Diego alert that was sent to people's cellphones, and there is controversy about opting out of the system.
One question that's especially important for audiences at music events — or those wanting to assure sleep at night — is whether these alerts produce the sound even when cellphones are set to vibrate — apparently the information is still not clear, but turning phones off completely is advisable.