All cell phones in the US will play an extremely loud sound on Wednesday for 30 minutes as part of a nationwide emergency alert test.
The test is being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are working properly. The EAS is a system that can be used to send emergency alerts to radios and televisions, while WEA can be used to send alerts to cell phones.
The test will take place on Wednesday, October 4th at 2:20 p.m. ET. During the test, cell phones, televisions, and radios will all play a loud sound and display a message that says “THIS IS A TEST of the National Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
FEMA is asking people to be patient and understanding during the test. They say that the loud sound may be disruptive, but it is important to remember that the test is necessary to ensure that the EAS and WEA are working properly.
The test is also a reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies. FEMA encourages people to have a plan in place in case of an emergency, and to know what to do when they receive an alert.
Here are some additional reasons why the test is important:
- Cell phones are one of the most used electronic devices in the world, and they are often used in emergencies.
- Cell phones can be used to receive emergency alerts about a variety of hazards, including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and public health emergencies.
- WEA alerts are designed to be attention-grabbing, so that people are more likely to see and hear them.
FEMA is asking people to do the following during the test:
- Be patient and understanding.
- Do not call 911 to report the test.
- If you are driving, pull over to a safe location before checking your phone or turning on your radio.
- If you have a disability, there are ways to receive emergency alerts in other ways. For more information, visit the FEMA website.
The nationwide emergency alert test is an important step in ensuring that the EAS and WEA are working properly. By participating in the test, you can help to ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared for emergencies.