FEMA has announced that at 2:20 PM ET today, it will conduct a nationwide test of the EAS and WEA in coordination with the FCC. Both tests will happen on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, starting around 2:20 PM ET. At least the test isn’t kicking off in the morning, so you don’t have to worry about your sleep being disrupted.
The first test is for the Wireless Emergency Alerts system. Around 2:20 PM, all cell phones in the US will receive a message saying “THIS IS A TEST”. Your phone will ring and vibrate just like a real emergency. But don’t worry, no action is needed – it’s only a test!
The second test is for TVs and radios using the Emergency Alert System. At around 2:50 PM, you may hear a voice or see text on your TV saying “This is a test”. It will last about a minute.
These emergency alert tests are important to make sure the systems work if a real emergency ever happens. The last cell phone test was two years ago, so this will be the first test for all smartphones. Even phones that aren’t connected to a carrier will get the alert.
If bad weather happens today, FEMA may delay the test until October 11th. But don’t be alarmed if your phone rings unexpectedly at 2:20 PM – it’s only a test of the nationwide emergency alert system. Everything should go back to normal again soon after.
