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Did you know you get automatic AMBER Alerts on your phone?

Posted at 8:04 PM, Feb 19, 2014
and last updated 2014-02-19 20:04:46-05

If you live in Virginia and you heard a loud sound on your phone earlier today, it was an automatic AMBER alert that was issued for a five-year-old girl who was found safe later in the day.

Many phone users were startled by the loud sound and according to WTVR.com, a text message automatically popped up on citizens’ home screens.

This alert is part of Wireless Emergency Alerts, a system of nationwide emergency texts.

These are sent out by government officials at the local and state level who are authorized to do so.

Click here to check out some of the frequently asked questions about these alerts on WTVR.com.