As October 4 approaches, phones across the United States are gearing up to ring out with an alarm that you won’t have set yourself. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is set to conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on this date.1
The nationwide test will be a crucial evaluation of the capabilities of both WEA and EAS. The testing is scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 4. This event marks the third nationwide test for WEA and the seventh for EAS. It’s a significant undertaking that aims to ensure the effectiveness of these systems in warning the public about emergencies, especially those of national significance.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
The WEA portion of the test is designed to reach all consumer cell phones. When the test commences, cell towers will broadcast the WEA message for approximately 30 minutes. To receive this test message, your cell phone should be switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and your wireless provider must participate in WEA. The message will be displayed in either English or Spanish, depending on your cell phone’s language settings. The message is expected to read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed”.
Emergency Alert System (EAS)
The EAS portion of the test will be directed at radios and televisions. When the EAS test takes place at 2:20 p.m. ET, radios and televisions will broadcast the test message, which is similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages the public is familiar with. The message will state: “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”.
The Purpose of the Test
The nationwide test is a critical exercise to ensure that the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) remain effective tools for warning the public during emergencies. These systems play a vital role in saving lives and protecting property when natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other threats to public safety occur. FEMA, along with the FCC, conducts these tests to maintain the readiness and reliability of these essential communication systems.
The national test is scheduled to begin on October 4 at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET. However, it’s important to note that the test may be postponed to October 11 in the event of widespread severe weather or other significant disruptions. During the test, cell phones, radios, and televisions will broadcast the respective messages for the WEA and EAS portions. The messages are designed to inform the public that this is only a test and that no action is required.3
October 4 marks an important date in the United States as phones, radios, and televisions prepare to participate in a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). This test is essential to ensure that these systems continue to be effective tools for warning the public during emergencies, especially those of national significance. While unfounded claims and conspiracy theories have emerged, relying on accurate information about the test’s purpose and functionality is crucial.
This nationwide test serves as a reminder of the importance of robust emergency communication systems and the need for ongoing testing and preparedness to ensure public safety in times of crisis.