Emergency Test Alert to Sound on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

Posted: October 4, 2023 10:58 am

1,323

On Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 at 2:20pm ET, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).

What is the EAS and WEA?

The EAS is a national public warning system that is used to send emergency alerts to the public through radio and TV broadcasts, while the WEA is a similar system that is used to send emergency alerts to cell phones.

Why is the test being conducted?

The test is being conducted in coordination with the Federal Communication Commission to ensure that the EAS and WEA systems are working properly and can be used to warn the public of actual emergencies. This will be the 7th-ever nationwide EAS test and the 3rd WEA test. The last intentional emergency test was sent out in 2021, however there were accidental tests sent out more recently.

Earlier this year, a state emergency management employee accidentally sent out a test alert to Floridian’s phones at 4:45am. Officials later apologized for the issue.

What will happen during the test?

During the test, you may receive an emergency alert on your cell phone, radio, or television. The alert will be a message stating that this is a test of the EAS or WEA and that no action is needed.

On your cell phone, the alert will last only for a few seconds and will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

On your TV or radio, the alert will last for one minute and say: “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.”

How long will the test last?

The test will start at 2:20pm ET and continue for approximately 30 minutes. So, expect to receive the test sometime between 2:20pm and 2:50pm ET.

What can I do to prepare for the test?

Nothing. There is no need to do anything special to prepare for the test. However, it’s a good idea to be aware of the test so that you don’t panic when you receive an alert.

Can I opt out of the test?

No, you cannot opt out of the test. However, you can turn off your cell phone, radio, or television to avoid receiving the alert. FEMA stated that after 2:50pm ET, cell phone users should not receive the alert if their phones were off during that time period.

You can also put your phone on airplane mode to avoid the alert.

What should I do if I receive an emergency alert?

If you receive an emergency alert, listen carefully to the message and follow the instructions. If the alert is for a real emergency, you may need to take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Here are some tips for staying safe during an emergency:

  • Stay informed about the situation by listening to local media or following the instructions of emergency officials.
  • If you are in danger, evacuate the area immediately.
  • If you cannot evacuate, find shelter in a safe place.
  • Check on your loved ones and make sure they are safe.

For more information on the EAS and WEA, please visit the FEMA website: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-system

Recent Posts