All cell phones, radio and television stations will receive alerts.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a test of the nation’s emergency alert system on Wednesday. Cellphones will ping and radio and television stations will air alerts.
FEMA and the FCC say the test is to ensure “systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.”
The test begins at approximately 2:20 PM EDT and “cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes.” Wireless phones should receive the message only one time.
The test message that will appear on phones will read, “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is necessary.” The FCC said the test will be accompanied by a “unique attention signal and vibration, which is particularly helpful to people with hearing or vision-related disabilities.”
National alerts cannot be blocked on cell phones, even if users have turned off other warnings such as Amber alerts.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Administrator Deanne Criswell as she heads FEMA.
- For Chair Jessica Rosenworcel as she oversees the FCC.
- For U.S. officials as they test the emergency alert system to ensure it is functional nationwide.
Sources: Axios, NBC News
