On Wednesday, October 4, FEMA, in conjunction with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is set to carry out a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).
The initiative, slated to commence at 2:20 p.m. ET, aims to “ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level,” as per a released statement.
The test has been split into two segments, assessing both WEA and EAS proficiencies.
The WEA portion, marking the third nationwide test of its kind and the second to all WEA-compatible cellular devices, is tailored for consumer cell phones.
The messages will be displayed in either English or Spanish, contingent on the device’s language settings.
Simultaneously, the EAS segment, marking the seventh nationwide EAS test, will be dispatched to radios and televisions.
The official release elaborates that the WEA test will be “initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS),” an internet-centric system managed by FEMA to circulate authenticated emergency alerts via diverse communication networks.
For the forthcoming test, a unique code will be transmitted to cell phones, activating the alert.
Moreover, the EAS message will be diffused as a “Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).”
This synchronized effort is aimed at encapsulating a wider audience, minimizing confusion, and magnifying the public safety value.
The WEA test, commencing precisely at 2:20 p.m. ET, will have cell towers broadcast the alert for a span of 30 minutes.
During this interval, WEA-compatible mobiles, if switched on and within the proximity of an active cell tower, should receive the test message that reads: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
On the other hand, the EAS test is programmed to endure for approximately one minute, engaging an array of broadcasters and providers.
The test message will say: “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.”
FEMA and the FCC have coordinated with various stakeholders including EAS participants, wireless providers, and emergency managers, all in a bid to fine-tune the test’s execution.
If unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather conditions necessitate the postponement of the October 4 test, a backup date of October 11 has been earmarked.
