Tomorrow, October 4, 2023, at 2:20 p.m. 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).
The EAS is a national system that allows local, state, and federal officials to send emergency alerts to TVs, radios, and cellphones. WEA are text messages that can be sent to cellphones in a specific geographic area.
The purpose of the test is to ensure that the EAS and WEA systems are working properly and that the public knows how to receive and understand emergency alerts.
What to expect
During the test, people across the country will receive an emergency alert on their TVs, radios, and cellphones. The alert will be accompanied by a loud, attention-grabbing tone.
The test message will say:
THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.
If you receive the test message, there is no need to do anything. This is just a test to ensure that the system is working properly.
Why is the test important?
Emergency alerts can save lives. They can warn people about dangerous weather conditions, active shooter incidents, and other hazards. By testing the EAS and WEA systems regularly, FEMA and the FCC can help to ensure that people receive the alerts they need to stay safe.
What you can do
Here are a few things you can do to prepare for tomorrow’s test:
- Make sure your TV, radio, and cellphone are turned on and have good reception.
- If you have an emergency alert app installed on your cellphone, make sure it is enabled.
- Talk to your family and friends about the test so they know what to expect.
If you have any questions about the test, you can visit the FEMA website or the FCC website.