An efficient method and apparatus to receive broadcasted emergency alerts using portable handheld devices or mobile devices that are operable to provide a user with relevant alerts based on the user's relevant position, in a low-powered, always-on manner are presented. Using the always on partitions of both the receiver and the system on chip (SOC) of a mobile device, embodiments of the present invention are capable of determining whether or not the remainder of the circuits of a mobile device need to be powered on in order to record audio data associated with an alert, when the alert is received. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are operable for displaying these alerts in a manner such that a user is notified that a relevant alert has been received and placing the user in a position where the user must address the alert notification and take appropriate action.