FEMA and the FCC will conduct a dual test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on Wednesday, October 4 at about 1:20 p.m. CST. The tests will appear on all consumer cell phones in either English or Spanish, depending on the language you have set, as well as radios and TVs.
Please note, you can’t opt out of receiving this alert - every cell phone that is on, within a cell tower’s range, and using a participating wireless carrier is supposed to receive it.
The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be an effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. Legislation passed in 2015 requires FEMA to test the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) at least once every three years.
According to a FAQ on the FEMA website, the test won’t interrupt a phone call. When it hits, it will be accompanied by a loud tone and a message that reads, “This is a test of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
A similar message will be played on TVs and radios that are on and tuned to a broadcast station, a satellite radio, TV service, cable, or wireless TV.