Officials are urging Iowans to not call 911 to report receiving test emergency messages via text. Many mobile users in Iowa, and about a dozen other states, received one or more text messages via Wireless Emergency Alerts Monday. But those alerts were a mistake.
U.S. Cellular says a FEMA test alert accidentally was sent to customers while the company was doing an upgrade.
Users who have other providers also reported receiving text messages.
These text messages are test messages only, according to the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Do not call 911 about them, since they are not about an emergency. State officials are investigating the issue at this time and will provide an update once more information is available.