NEW YORK (PIX11) – Cellphones with wireless emergency alerts turned on will hear a test on their phone this Thursday, according to New York City Emergency Management.

The Wireless Emergency Alert Test is set to go out at noon, but New Yorkers will have to opt in to the alerts. The message should indicate that it's a test and not an actual emergency.

“Wireless Emergency Alerts save lives, but they only work if your phone is ready,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol.

New York City uses the alerts to warn residents about crises such as severe weather, imminent threats to the public, missing children and more, according to Emergency Management. The messages can also target specific neighborhoods.

Here's how to turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on a cellphone: • iPhone: Go to Settings ->

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