On Wednesday, October 4, the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will test their countrywide emergency alert systems. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) for phones with the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for televisions and radios. It is the ninth countrywide EAS test and the second for all cellular devices in the United States.
Cell towers will start broadcasting an emergency notice for 30 minutes on Wednesday, Oct. 4, about 2:20 p.m. If your phone is within range of a cell tower, you will receive a message that says, “THIS IS A TEST OF THE NATIONAL WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM.” There is no need for you to take any action.
Depending on the language set on your phone, the emergency notifications will be in English or Spanish. Phone notifications will be “accompanied by a unique tone and vibration” to make them as accessible as possible.
The message broadcast for just one minute. This is a nationwide test of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Alert System, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET.” This is only a warm-up. The general people is under no obligation to intervene.
Jeremy Edwards, FEMA’s spokesman :
As such tests are performed on a regular basis. It has no negative health effects from system signals. The sole purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be an effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.
The two national systems, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), are “critical tools” that save lives. As well as empower people to protect property when natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other threats to public safety strike.
As part of the EAS system, radios and televisions receive a 30-minute signal, and all consumer mobile phones receive a similar signal as part of the WEA system.
These are the types of WEA and EAS alerts sent to you in nontest situations:
Public safety alerts.
AMBER alerts during child-abduction crises.
Presidential alerts in case of national emergencies.
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