Emergency Alert System Test Scheduled For Oct. 4

DANVILLE, CA — The Federal Emergency Management Agency along with the Federal Communications Commission will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts Oct. 4 at approximately 11:20 a.m., FEMA announced in a news release.

The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities, Fema said in a news release announcing the tests.

According to FEMA, the Wireless Emergency Alert portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

"The national test will help ensure that Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) continue to be effective ways to warn the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level," FEMA said.

All major U.S. wireless providers participate in Wireless Emergency Alerts and will transmit the national test to their subscribers, FEMA said.

"If your mobile phone is on and within range of an active cell tower from a participating wireless provider, you should receive the national test," FEMA said. "Wireless providers will transmit the national test for 30 minutes, but your phone should only receive it once."

The Emergency Alert System portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions.

For more information, click here.