The federal government is planning to execute a comprehensive test of the emergency alert system during the Wednesday afternoon.
This examination will encompass the transmission of test messages to all mobile phones, televisions, and radios, accompanied by both sound and, for mobile phones, vibration. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are jointly overseeing this test as part of their readiness efforts for genuine emergencies.
The primary objective of this test is to ensure the seamless operation of the emergency messaging system in the event that Americans face threats such as natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other public safety hazards.
You might be familiar with the startling sounds associated with National Weather Service alerts and AMBER (America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) alerts. The cellphone alerts scheduled for Wednesday will be distributed through the same wireless infrastructure.
Here are some key details about the test:
– Date and Time: The test is scheduled to commence at approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 4th.
– Duration: The testing window will span 30 minutes, but you should anticipate receiving the message only once. If an actual emergency occurs on that day, the test may be postponed, with a backup test planned for the following week.
– Message Content: On mobile phones, the alert message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” For devices set to Spanish, the message will appear as: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.” Meanwhile, on television and radio, you will hear the announcement: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”
– Purpose: FEMA is legally obligated to carry out national tests of the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) at least once every three years. The most recent national test took place in 2021.
Stay informed and prepared for this nationwide emergency alert test, which plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and readiness of our emergency messaging systems.
