Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Scheduled for Tomorrow, Oct. 4

Page updated on October 3, 2023 at 3:37 PM
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Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Scheduled for Tomorrow, Oct. 4

On Wednesday, October 4, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system that enables authorities to send emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks.

This national test will consist of two portions, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). Tests are scheduled to begin at 2:20 p.m. and end at 2:50 p.m. EST.

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. The message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset. The EAS test will be sent to radios and televisions.

The WEA will be initiated using IPAWS and will be administered via a message sent to cell phones. All wireless phones should receive the message only once that states the following:

  • Phones set to English: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
  • Phones set to Spanish: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

The EAS 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 test message will state: “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.”

The purpose of these test alerts is to ensure that the EAS and WEA systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In the event the October 4 test is postponed, the backup testing date is October 11. 

Visit FEMA’s website for additional information.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you. Please email newsroom@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.