Wednesday afternoon at 1:20, FEMA in coordination with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA).According to FEMA, the Wireless Emergency Alert portion of the test will be directed to consumer cellphones in the form of a text message reading “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The alert will be similar to how Amber Alerts are received.
The Emergency Alert System portion will be sent to radios and televisions and is scheduled to last approximately one minute.
The purpose of the test is to ensure 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 back-up testing date is Oct. 11.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI