National alarm test for FEMA and FCC set for October 4

Indianapolis, Indiana – A nationwide test of the wireless emergency alert system and emergency alert system has been arranged by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

On October 4, at approximately 2:20 p.m., the test will be broadcast on radios, televisions, and cell phones.

The countrywide WEA test should yield the following results:

• Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA should be capable of receiving the test message.
• For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
• Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

According to the FEMA website, the aim of the is to guarantee that the systems remain a reliable way to alert the public about emergencies, especially those that occur nationally.

The backup testing date is scheduled for October 11 in the event that widespread severe weather or other noteworthy occurrences force the postponement of the Oct. 4 test.