A nationwide emergency alert will run across radios, televisions, and cell phones this fall. In coordination with FEMA and the FCC, the test will happen around 2:20 pm Eastern time on Wednesday, October 4th.
Here’s what you can expect. Your cellphone, if within a cell tower’s range, will receive a message that states, THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Similarly, a message will be heard across your tv and radio notifying you of the test and that no action is required. These tests have been used 78,000 times, according to the FCC to warn users of extreme weather, missing children, and other incidents. FEMA announced, “The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.”
If there is a disruption in the ability to perform the test on OCT 4, the test will be moved to Oct. 11th.
This will mark the second nationwide test of the year for all cellular devices.
