Emergency Alert System Test Planned For Wednesday Afternoon

FEMA, in coordination with the FCC will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and the Wireless Emergency Alert system tomorrow at approximately 1:20 PM. This includes radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite – radio and television providers and wireline video providers.

For wireless users, the test will be sent out by wireless providers that have chosen to participate in Wireless Emergency Alert. Cell towers will broadcast the test message for 30 minutes and members of the public will be able to receive the message if their phone is Wireless Emergency Alert-capable, switched on and within range of an active cell tower. The message will be delivered using a unique tone and vibration. It will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”