Here's a reminder that the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Federal Communications Commission will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts today at 11:18 a.m. and 11:20 a.m., respectively, affecting virtually all consumer cellphones.
This will be the fourth nationwide EAS test and the first nationwide WEA test. Periodic testing of public alert and warning systems helps to assess the operational readiness of alerting infrastructure and to identify any needed technological and administrative improvements.
- HOW: The EAS and WEA test messages will be sent using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized Internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks.
- WHO: FEMA will administer the test, in cooperation with the FCC and the National Weather Service, and with the participation of the communications industry.
- WHEN: Oct. 3, 2018, beginning at 2:18 p.m. EDT on cellphones and 2:20 p.m. EDT on TV and radio. (This is the test back-up date; the test was previously postponed due to response efforts to Hurricane Florence.)
- WHAT: The message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Phones will display this national test using the header “Presidential Alert.” These nationwide alerts, established pursuant to the WARN Act of 2006, are meant for use in a national emergency and are the only type of alert that can be sent simultaneously nationwide by FEMA.
