Verizon customers can subscribe to AMBER alerts via phones

BEDMINSTER, N.J.-Verizon Wireless announced a new service that allows customers to receive text message AMBER alerts that notify the public about missing and abducted children.

Verizon customers have been able to register for wireless AMBER alerts online since May, but customers now can sign up for alerts by sending a text message directly from a mobile phone. To register, customers can text a message to the address AMBER and include the pertinent ZIP codes in the body of the message.