Originally published August 31, 2023 2:04 pm PDT
The test will be sent to wireless devices within range of an active cell tower.
QUICK FACTS:
- Federal officials announced a nationwide emergency warning test coming on October 4.
- The test will ensure that the “systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level,” according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- “In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11,” the statement continues.
- The tests are to begin at around 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time.
- The groups involved in the test include the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).
- Where the EAS broadcasts to radio and television, the WEA broadcasts to mobile devices.
- The EAS test will last about one minute, whereas the WEA test will last about thirty minutes.
- Previous tests have found that the EAS had poor audio and other technical issues but will perform well overall.
- Some believe the test is designed to test emergency systems in the aftermath of the Lahaina fires.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE TEST:
- “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,” reads the FEMA press release. “For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: ‘THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.’”
- If a device is set to Spanish settings, the message will read, “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”
- Alters are “accompanied by a unique tone and vibration,” the press release adds.
BACKGROUND:
- FEMA recently launched an initiative on “diversity” training for employees.
- The initiative calls upon staff to admit that “systemic racism and oppression exist,” and posits that the United States is rooted in a history of “extreme, extraordinary violence.”
- The initiative was introduced to FEMA staff in a July email.
- It was described as “part of our ongoing commitment to instill Equity as a Foundation of Emergency Management,” according to FEMA leaders.
