FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is slated to conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on Wednesday, October 4.
The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are slated to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones across the country, with the test message being displayed in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.
The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions.
“The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level,” FEMA stated.
To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts will be accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.
