Massive Nationwide Test of Emergency Alert System: What You Need to Know

2023-10-02 18:44:10

By now most of you know that a massive test of the EAS system is coming nationwide on Wednesday, October 4.

This national test will come in two portions at approximately 2:20 PM (ET) or 1:20 PM (CT) testing the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) and Emergency Alert System(EAS). The duration of the broadcast test will last around 30 minutes. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones.

All wireless phones that are compatible and are switched on will receive this test within the range of an active cell tower along with a test message that reads,

“This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.

Radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite. and wireless providers must participate in this national test under FCC regulations. The EAS portion of the test should last approximately one minute with no repeats. All wireless phones should only expect to have the message and loud tone or vibration sent once. In case of bad weather, the test will be delayed until October 11. This will mark the seventh national test of the federal government’s EAS system.

This nationwide test is being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission. The sole purpose of these tests is to make sure that the systems are working properly in the case of an actual emergency situation, threats, or potential notifications from the President of the United States of America.

Of course, conspiracy theories on social media are all over the place about this test that there is something much more sinister going on here than just a tone. Nevertheless, no matter what you believe or do not believe, I am not here to judge anyone I’m just doing my job and getting the word out in case you haven’t heard about this upcoming test.