HELP Alerts are now live statewide and TransVista will be using them to alert motorists for incidents lasting more than four hours.

The alerts are like TxDOT traffic alerts and will be sent to cell phones located in the geo fence set up by TxDOT Operators, much like Amber and Silver Alerts are sent on cell phones.

No mobile app or pre-registration is needed for drivers to participate.

Agencies who offer the HELP Alerts service push a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) to travelers in and approaching a major incident area.

The WEA message relays instructions for registering for road closure updates.

Once registered, users can receive updates about the closure from the agency as well as send messages to the agency’s representatives…

The alerts operate through the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS), FEMA’s national system for local alerting that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public.