October 3, 2023
Nationwide Test of Emergency Alert System on October 4, 2023
On October 4, 2023, FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test to assess the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) capabilities.
FEMA stated “These test alerts are necessary to verify that the system is working properly so that, in a real case, citizens will know what to do, depending on the information that is issued. Any time an emergency occurs, it is necessary to have this system in place.”
The EAS and WEA tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 12:20 p.m. MDT
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 WEA test sends a code to cell phones. Beginning at approximately 12:20 p.m. MDT, cell towers will broadcast the signal for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.