FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts today (Wednesday, October 4).
Both tests will begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET.
The Wireless Emergency Alerts portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions.
FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test. The purpose of today’s test is to ensure that the systems continue to be an effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.
In case today’s test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is October 11.
