Current:Home > FinanceA nationwide emergency alert test is coming to your phone on Wednesday-InfoLens
A nationwide emergency alert test is coming to your phone on Wednesday
View Date:2024-12-23 10:45:18
Consider yourself warned. The federal government will conduct a nationwide test of the emergency alert system on Wednesday afternoon.
The test messages will be sent to all cellphones, televisions and radios. The test will emit sound and — on phones — vibration.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission are running the test in preparation for actual emergencies. The aim of the test is to ensure the emergency messaging system is running smoothly in the event Americans are threatened by natural disasters, terrorism or other dangers to public safety.
You may be familiar with the jolting sounds accompanying National Weather Service alerts and AMBER (America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) alerts. Wednesday's cellphone alerts will be sent via the same wireless system.
When is the test happening?
The test is scheduled to begin at about 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
The testing window runs for 30 minutes, but you should only receive the message once. If an actual emergency happens that day, the test could be postponed — a backup test is scheduled for the following week.
What will the test message look like?
On cellphones, the alert will read:
"THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed." Phones set to Spanish will display: "ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción."
TV and radio will announce:
"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."
Why is the test happening?
FEMA is required by law to conduct national tests of the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) at least once every three years. The last national test was in 2021.
veryGood! (68)
Related
- About Charles Hanover
- Jersey Shore’s Snooki Gets Candid on Her Weight Struggles in Message to Body Shamers
- Drake Explains Why He Hasn't Gotten Married—Yet
- Bachelor Nation's Raven Gates and Adam Gottschalk Welcome Baby No. 2
- Kentucky officer reprimanded for firing non-lethal rounds in 2020 protests under investigation again
- Beat the Heat With These 19 Hacks To Make a Sweaty Commute Much More Tolerable
- See Sister Wives Star Tony Padron's Transformation After Losing Nearly 100 Pounds
- Why Zendaya Will Be MIA From the 2023 Venice Film Festival
- Taylor Swift's Mom Andrea Gives Sweet Nod to Travis Kelce at Chiefs Game
- Why John Stamos Once Tried to Quit Full House
Ranking
- 'Survivor' 47, Episode 9: Jeff Probst gave players another shocking twist. Who went home?
- Tony Bennett Dead at 96: Anderson Cooper, Carson Daly and More Honor the Legendary Singer
- Tom Brady and Irina Shayk Spark Romance Rumors With Intimate L.A. Outing
- Save 44% On a Bertello Portable Pizza Oven That’s Fast and Easy To Use
- As the transition unfolds, Trump eyes one of his favorite targets: US intelligence
- Get $173 Worth of Peter Thomas Roth Top-Selling Skincare Products for Just $53
- Nordstrom Clear the Rack Sale: Find Deals on Your Next Go-To Shoes from Adidas, Dr. Martens, ECCO & More
- Why Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling Are the Perfect Barbie and Ken
Recommendation
-
Justice Department says jail conditions in Georgia’s Fulton County violate detainee rights
-
These Shirtless Photos of Jeremy Allen White Will Have You Saying Yes Chef
-
Kim Kardashian Shares Regret Over Fast Pete Davidson Romance
-
Israel approves divisive judicial overhaul, weakening court's power amid protests
-
Early Black Friday Deals: 70% Off Apple, Dyson, Tarte, Barefoot Dreams, Le Creuset & More + Free Shipping
-
K-9 officer put on leave after police dog attacks surrendering suspect
-
Austin Peay State Football Player Jeremiah Collins Dead at 18
-
Melanie Lynskey and More Stars Who Just Missed Out on Huge Roles