Here’s What You Need To Know
Test messages will be sent to all TVs, radios and mobile phones
Get ready for a lot of simultaneously buzzing phones on Oct. 4.
There is going to be a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) that day.
FEMA is coordinating with the Federal Communications Commission to carry out the test at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
It will be split into two portions.
The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.
The message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
The alerts are accompanied by a “unique tone and vibration” according to FEMA.
All wireless phones should receive the message only once, authorities say.
The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.
The EAS portion will be conducted on radio and television stations, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers. It will be similar to regular monthly tests.
The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.
In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the backup testing date is Oct. 11.