Community Corner
Presidential Alert System Test Is Today At 1:18 P.M. In Missouri
It's not a text from the president, as it has been described, but rather a new kind of emergency alert. And, no, you can't opt out.
ST. LOUIS, MO — Anyone with a cell phone across Missouri and around the country can expect an emergency alert today at 1:18 p.m. central time. The first test of a presidential alert system, most Americans can expect their phones to play a loud tone, vibrate and display the message: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."
A national test of the traditional Emergency Alert System will follow at 1:20 p.m. via television and radio.
It's a TEST, it's TODAY & it will be LOUD At 1:18 PM Central, @FEMA conducts nationwide test of Wireless Emergency Alert system. Most cell phones will get a message box w/ a tone & vibration. It’s not a text & your phone # is not shared with anyone Broadcast test is 2 mins later pic.twitter.com/MTKrPtBqiN
— MO Public Safety (@MoPublicSafety) October 3, 2018
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The Wireless Emergency Alert system was first developed in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina and is intended for national emergencies and large-scale natural disasters. It is similar to the Amber Alert system, but unlike Amber Alerts, it can't be turned off. Virtually all cell phones on any network will receive the alert.
Image via Federal Emergency Management Agency
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