On Wednesday, smartphone users across the U.S. can expect to receive an Emergency Alert Test. However, no immediate action is required from the public.
What Happened: The Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission or FCC are gearing up for a nationwide Emergency Alert System or EAS and Wireless Emergency Alerts or WEA test, aimed at ensuring the readiness of the country’s communication infrastructure during emergencies.
“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,” said the FCC in the press release.
The emergency alert will be broadcast simultaneously across all U.S. time zones, starting precisely at 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The time may differ Depending on where you are in the country.
The test will last around one minute and occur only once, with no repeated alerts.
In the event of severe weather or other significant circumstances, if the test is postponed, a backup test date has been scheduled for Oct. 11.
Dual-Portion Test: The test will comprise two simultaneous segments. The EAS section will send test messages to televisions and radios, marking the seventh such cross-country test of its kind.
The second part, involving WEA, will target all consumer cell phones and smartphones. Although this marks the third nationwide WEA test, it is only the second time it will affect all cellular devices.
FEMA will employ the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System or IPAWS to conduct the WEA test. This centralized internet-based system, managed by FEMA, ensures authenticated emergency messages are disseminated through various communication networks.
Multilingual Message: Depending on the device’s language settings, users will receive the test message in either English or Spanish.
The message will read in English, “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
In Spanish, the message will read, "ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción."
Audible Alert: The test will include an audible alert with the same tone and volume as other critical notifications, such as those from the National Weather Service or Amber Alerts.
Device Specifics: It’s important to note that only smartphones with cellular access enabled will receive the test message. Devices set to Wi-Fi-only or airplane mode will remain unaffected.
Opt-Out or Opt-In: Specific numbers can be dialed for iPhone users who wish to opt-out or for the emergency alert test. To enable test notifications, dial 500525371#; to disable them, dial 500525370#.
Image – Shutterstock
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