An emergency alert system will be tested on Wednesday by the federal government.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was created in 1978 by executive order to help the United States prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from disasters. In cooperation with the Federal Communications Commission, FEMA will conduct a national test of its Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).
IPAWS is FEMA’s national system for providing the public with potentially life-saving information. Public alerts are sent to mobile phones using Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and are broadcast on radio and television via the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
The purpose of the test is to ensure that the system continues to be an effective way to warn the public about emergencies, especially at the national level. Federal legislation passed in 2015 requires FEMA to conduct national tests of IPAWS at least once every three years. The last test was in August of 2021.
Wednesday’s test is scheduled to take place at approximately 1:20 p.m. CT, but if the test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, testing will be rescheduled for the following week on October 11.
Cell phones that are switched on, within range of a cell tower, and serviced by a wireless provider participating in WEA will receive a text message that reads: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” A unique tone and phone vibration will accompany the message.
At approximately the same time, the EAS portion of the test will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline providers.
The message will read: “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.”
A document explaining the testing procedure includes assurances from FEMA that the national test does not monitor, locate, or lock users’ phones, and the technology cannot be used to collect any private data.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized the importance of the emergency alert system, stating, “We recognize that in disasters, seconds count. Getting alerts out promptly saves lives. … We want to make sure that when it counts, we can keep you informed.”
“The next alert you receive could save your life or the life of someone you love,” she added.
