A computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a mobile device, geographical coordinates defining one or more alert areas associated with a wireless emergency alert over a wireless communication network, and comparing, at the mobile device, the current location of the mobile device with the received coordinates to determine if the mobile device is within the alert area(s). If the mobile device is within the alert area(s), the method further comprises applying a mapping application or other application on the mobile device to construct a map of the alert area(s) based on the coordinates, determine the location of the mobile device with respect the alert area(s), and display the map indicating the location of the mobile device with respect to the alert area(s) at a display interface of the mobile device.