If you previously stopped receiving text messages from our Emergency Alerts system, you can turn SMS notifications back on from your phone. Use the steps below based on your situation.
Turn SMS Text Notifications Back On
Option 1: Reply to the Original Message
Use this option if you still have one of the text messages where you opted out.
1. Open the message on your phone.
2. Reply with START.
3. Send the message.
4. Wait a few minutes for a confirmation reply letting you know SMS notifications are active again.
This is usually the fastest way to re-enable text messages.
Option 2: Send a New Text Message
Use this option if you no longer have the original message.
Emergency Alerts
1. Open your text messaging app.
2. Create a new message to 203-210-8068.
3. In the message body, type START [SACRH14].
4. Send the message.
5. Watch for an automatic reply confirming you are opted back in.
Confirmation may take a few minutes, depending on your mobile carrier.
Optional: Opt Back In to All Messages
To receive all SMS notifications from where your phone number was previously opted out, send:
STARTALL
This opts your phone number back in everywhere it was previously opted out.
What If It Still Doesn't Work?
- Make sure you typed START, START [SACRH14], or STARTALL exactly as shown.
- Check that you sent the message to the correct phone number.
- Allow a few minutes for your carrier to process the request.
- Check whether your carrier is blocking or filtering the message.
Check Your Carrier Spam-Blocking App
If you still do not receive SMS messages or calls, your mobile carrier may be blocking or labeling the new 10DLC number as spam. This is separate from opting out of messages.
Open your carrier's spam-blocking or account app and look for settings such as blocked numbers, spam protection, call filtering, message filtering, allowed numbers, or whitelist. If available, allow or whitelist the 10DLC number used for your alerts.
- T-Mobile: check Scam Shield or T-Life.
- AT&T: check ActiveArmor.
- Verizon: check My Verizon or Call Filter.
Carrier apps and menus can change. Use the carrier's current support documentation for exact steps.
Why Legitimate Alerts May Be Filtered
Mobile carriers use automated spam filters to reduce robocalls and unwanted messages. Sometimes legitimate business or emergency alert traffic can be filtered by mistake, especially when:
- A number sends many calls or text messages in a short time, such as appointment reminders, weather alerts, or emergency notifications.
- Recipients accidentally mark a call or message as spam. A small number of spam reports can sometimes affect delivery for other users on the same carrier network.
Need Help?
If you are unsure which messages you opted out of or need assistance, please reach out to the PioTech Center.