Get ready, Americans! On October 4 at 2:20 p.m. ET, you’ll be receiving a unique alert that’s a little different from the usual emergency messages. This time, it’s a test of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. But don’t worry, no action is needed on your part. This alert will be sent to all consumer cell phones, either in English or Spanish depending on your language settings.
But that’s not all! Radios and televisions will also receive an emergency alert simultaneously. It’ll be similar to the monthly alerts you’re familiar with, accompanied by that distinct “unique tone” that FEMA describes.
This is only the second time a national alert test has been sent to all cellular devices, and the seventh time it has been sent to radios and TVs. While most emergency communications are regional, these tests are preparing for a potential national emergency.
Here’s a sample text provided by the agency: “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.”
If your wireless phone is switched on and within range of an active cell tower, you should receive the message only once. This is assuming your wireless provider participates in the Wireless Emergency Alert System. The test will be broadcasted by cell towers for approximately 30 minutes, according to FEMA.
As for the test on TVs and radios, it’s scheduled to last approximately one minute. It will involve the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers.
In case the Oct. 4 test is preempted by other significant events, the back-up date is Oct. 11.
Wireless Emergency Alerts are created and sent by authorized government agencies to residents in specific areas. In this case, the entire U.S. will be included. So stay alert and be prepared for this nationwide test!
