Emergency Alert System Test: Nation to Undergo Mobile Phone and TV Trial
On October 4, 2023, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) in the United States. This nationwide trial aims to assess the effectiveness of the emergency alert system on both mobile phones and television networks.
During the test, all major wireless providers in the country will participate by transmitting the national alert to their customers. As long as your phone is active and within range of a participating wireless provider’s cell tower, you should receive the test alert, according to FEMA and FCC.
Scheduled for approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time (1:20 p.m. Central Time), the test will last for around 30 minutes. It is important to note that phones should only receive the test once, even though wireless providers will transmit it continuously during the testing period.
When the test is initiated, mobile phones will emit tones and vibrations, accompanied by a message that reads, THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed. Those with default settings set to Spanish language will receive the same message in Spanish.
In addition to the mobile phone test, there will also be a trial of the Emergency Alert System on television and radio. This nationwide broadcast will state, 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, as informed by FEMA.
The television and radio test will last approximately one minute and will resemble the monthly emergency alert system tests that many viewers and listeners are already familiar with.
In the event of widespread severe weather on October 4, the test will be delayed by one week to avoid confusion between real emergency alerts and the scheduled trial. The backup test date is set for Wednesday, October 11.
This upcoming test is the seventh nationwide EAS (Emergency Alert System) test for radios and televisions, but it will be the second time that all cell phones are being included in the trial.
Overall, the FCC and FEMA are working together to ensure the effectiveness of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System. This test is an important step in improving emergency communications and better preparing the nation for any future alerts or emergencies.
