Vermont has an Amber Alert system called VT-Alerts that issues emergency notifications to Vermont residents. While the system aims to help keep the public informed about dangerous situations, some residents may prefer not to receive VT-Alerts notifications for various reasons. Fortunately, there are a few straightforward ways to opt out of getting VT-Alerts sent to your phone.
What Are VT-Alerts?
VT-Alerts is Vermont’s statewide notification system that sends out alerts during emergency situations via text message, email, and phone call. It is used to quickly share information with the public about potentially hazardous events taking place in their area. Some examples of situations that may prompt a VT-Alert include:
- Amber Alerts – Child abductions
- Silver Alerts – Missing seniors with cognitive impairments
- Weather emergencies – Blizzards, floods, etc.
- Public safety emergencies – Dangerous criminals on the loose, hazardous material spills, etc.
The alerts provide details about the incident and instructions on any protective actions the public should take. The VT-Alerts system is overseen by the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Public Safety.
Why Opt Out of VT-Alerts?
While VT-Alerts are designed to help keep people informed and safe, some individuals may wish to opt out of receiving the notifications. Here are some common reasons why someone may choose to opt out of VT-Alerts:
- Privacy concerns – Don’t want location tracked or personal info in the system
- Notification fatigue – Get too many alerts and find them annoying/disruptive
- Alerts don’t apply – Live/work in an area where many alerts are irrelevant
- Can get info other ways – Check news sites, social media, word-of-mouth instead
- Outside VT area – No longer live in Vermont so alerts don’t apply
- Emergency contacts will alert them – Depend on specific people to share important info
Even though the alerts are meant to help keep the public safe, some individuals make the personal choice to opt out for reasons like those above.
How to Opt Out of VT-Alerts
Vermont residents can opt out of receiving VT-Alerts through either of these two methods:
Opting Out by Phone
You can call 888-524-1963 to reach the VT-Alert customer support line. Some things to note about this opt-out method:
- You will need to provide your phone number that is currently signed up to receive alerts.
- Support agents are available M-F 8am – 4pm to assist with opting out.
- Your number will be removed from the VT-Alert notification system after you complete the call.
- Opting out by phone will remove your number from all VT-Alerts – Amber, weather, public safety, etc.
Opting Out Online
VT-Alerts has an online portal where you can log in and manage your alert subscriptions. To opt out online:
- Go to https://www.vermont.gov/ and click “Mobile Apps & Alerts”
- Click the “Manage Your VT-Alerts” button
- Enter your phone number and click “Send PIN”
- Enter the verification PIN sent to your phone via text
- Click the “Opt out” button and confirm to complete opting out
Key things to note about the online opt-out process:
- You’ll need the phone number that receives the VT-Alerts
- You can opt out of some alert categories but not others
- Opting out online gives you more selectivity than phone opt-out
What Happens When You Opt Out
Once you complete the phone or online VT-Alert opt-out process, here is what will happen:
- Your phone number will be removed from the VT-Alert notification system
- You will stop receiving VT-Alert text messages, calls, and emails
- This applies to all categories of alerts – Amber, weather, public safety, etc.
- You can opt back in at any time in the future if you change your mind
- No personal info or history will be kept after you opt out
The opt-out takes effect quickly after completing the phone or online process. You do not need to do anything else to stop receiving the VT-Alert notifications on your phone.
Conclusion
VT-Alerts are an important system for keeping Vermont residents informed about emergency situations in their vicinity. However, some individuals may wish to opt out of getting these alerts sent to their phones for personal reasons. Thankfully, Vermont provides an easy phone and online method to opt out of VT-Alerts quickly and completely. Those who change their mind can always opt back in. By understanding the opt-out options, Vermont residents can decide whether to continue receiving VT-Alert notifications based on their unique needs and preferences.