The Federal Emergency Management Agency plans a nationwide test of its alert system on Oct. 4.
The test will include the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).
Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Oct. 4. The test will be rescheduled for Oct. 11 if severe weather or other problems occur.
The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.
The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks.
- The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers.
- The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”
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