FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is preparing to conduct a nationwide test of their emergency alert system. The test will involve transmitting messages through both broadcast channels and directly to mobile phones across the country. Depending on the language settings of your phone, the alert will be delivered in either English or Spanish.

It’s important to note that if you know someone who does not speak either language, it’s recommended to inform them about the upcoming test. Furthermore, it’s worth considering giving a heads-up to individuals who might be startled by the alert, such as those who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or families with young babies. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone is aware of the test and can prepare accordingly.

The UK government has introduced an emergency alert service that sends critical, life-saving information in real-time to people’s mobile phones. This service is similar to ones used successfully in countries such as the US, Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands. The Cabinet Office minister, Oliver Dowden, says the system will significantly improve the UK’s ability to alert and inform individuals in immediate danger. This means people across the UK can expect to get timely, accurate, and important information about potential threats to their safety, helping them to take appropriate action and stay safe during emergencies.

Unpacking the Nationwide Emergency Alert Test

• The test comprises two parts: one on broadcast (radio and television) and one on cellphones.
• Both tests are set to start around 2:20 p.m. ET (11:20 a.m. PT) on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
• For the cellphone test, FEMA states that cell towers will broadcast the test for about 30 minutes from the start time.

Why is FEMA Playing Emergency Alert System This Tune Again?

• The first part of the test, on radio and television, will test the government’s Emergency Alert System (EAS). This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.
• The second part, sent to cellphones, will test the government’s Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). This is only the second time all cellular devices will be tested.
• The alert sound will be similar to the one you hear for Amber Alerts. The message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

Emergency alerts play a crucial role in disseminating information to the public during a disaster. These alerts can provide detailed instructions such as sheltering in place, evacuation routes, boiling water, or taking precautions against a toxic gas cloud. The primary aim of these alerts is to ensure that residents take the necessary precautions their loved ones from harm and to protect themselves. 

During an actual disaster, emergency alerts are just one part of a broader system of alerting methods, which may include door-to-door evacuations, street broadcasts, or sirens. These different methods are used to reach the maximum number of people, regardless of their location or access to technology. 

In case you do not receive the emergency alert test on Wednesday morning, it is advisable to contact your cellphone carrier immediately to ensure that your device is working correctly and that you can receive emergency alerts in the future.

FAQs

When is the Emergency Alert test happening?

The test is scheduled to begin at about 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The testing window runs for 30 minutes, but you should only receive the message once. If an actual emergency happens that day, the test could be postponed — a backup test is scheduled for the following week.

What will the test message look like?

On cellphones, the alert will read:

“THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Phones set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

TV and radio will announce:

“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.”

Why is the test happening?

FEMA is required by law to conduct national tests of the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) at least once every three years. The last national test was in 2021.