MEDFORD, Ore. (Nov. 5, 2025) — Jackson County Emergency Management (JCEM) will conduct a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) test on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. PT, targeting the Interstate 5 corridor from the California–Oregon border to Exit 14 in Ashland.
The exercise simulates a winter storm and Siskiyou Summit closure scenario to evaluate the county’s ability to deliver rapid, geotargeted alerts to travelers and nearby communities ahead of severe weather. Officials said the test helps ensure systems and procedures function smoothly before winter storms arrive.
“Targeted Wireless Emergency Alerts are a vital tool to reach drivers and residents quickly when roads close or conditions deteriorate,” said Delaney Richmond, Jackson County Emergency Manager. “By testing before winter weather arrives, we can verify coverage, refine our processes, and strengthen our ability to keep people safe and informed.”
During the test, travelers and residents in and around the target area may hear a loud alert tone emitted from their mobile devices, similar to an AMBER Alert. Phones may vibrate, display a test message, or repeat the sound, depending on device settings and wireless carrier processing. The system is intentionally designed to be attention-grabbing to alert people even when driving, sleeping, or not actively using their phones.
The Wireless Emergency Alert system is a national public safety tool that sends short, location-based alerts to compatible cell phones without requiring users to sign up. Alerts are broadcast to devices within a defined geographic area, ensuring timely communication during emergencies.
For more information about the November 6th test, visit the Jackson County WEA Test webpage. Residents can also sign up for Jackson Alerts (Everbridge) for additional notifications at https://member.everbridge.net/76864345342052/new, and follow Jackson County Emergency Management on official channels for updates and preparedness tips.
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