diff --git a/modules/settings.py b/modules/settings.py
index 9fd2079..dffce8d 100644
--- a/modules/settings.py
+++ b/modules/settings.py
@@ -323,6 +323,9 @@ try:
     coastalForecastDays = config['location'].getint('coastalForecastDays', 3) # default 3 days
 
     # location alerts
+    alert_duration = config['location'].getint('alertDuration', 20) # default 20 minutes
+    if alert_duration < 10: # the API calls need throttle time
+        alert_duration = 10
     eAlertBroadcastEnabled = config['location'].getboolean('eAlertBroadcastEnabled', False) # old deprecated name
     ipawsAlertEnabled = config['location'].getboolean('ipawsAlertEnabled', False) # default False new ^
     # Keep both in sync for backward compatibility
diff --git a/modules/system.py b/modules/system.py
index b796215..bb60f69 100644
--- a/modules/system.py
+++ b/modules/system.py
@@ -1304,8 +1304,8 @@ def handleAlertBroadcast(deviceID=1):
                 if should_send_alert("overdue", overdueAlerts, min_interval=300): # 5 minutes interval for overdue alerts
                     send_message(overdueAlerts, emergency_responder_alert_channel, 0, emergency_responder_alert_interface)
 
-        # Only allow API call every 20 minutes
-        if not (clock.minute % 20 == 0 and clock.second <= 17):
+        # Only allow API call every alert_duration minutes at xx:00, xx:20, xx:40
+        if not (clock.minute % alert_duration == 0 and clock.second <= 17):
             return False
 
         # Collect alerts