All US phones, TVs, and radios to undergo emergency alert system test soon.
Federal Officials Announce Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test
Federal officials are gearing up for an exciting and important event this fall – a comprehensive nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) that will reach the majority of Americans. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is partnering with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to conduct this test, which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of communication systems during national or local emergencies.
The test is scheduled for October 4 and will involve various devices such as TVs, radios, and mobile phones. FEMA and the FCC have been working diligently with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and valuable test experience for the public.
What to Expect During the Test
The national test will consist of two parts: testing Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and EAS capabilities. The test will begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 4. Mobile phone towers will broadcast the test for about 30 minutes, reaching every phone within range of an active cell tower. The WEA portion of the test will be sent to all phones nationwide, with messages in either English or Spanish based on individual language settings.
For English language settings, the message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Spanish language settings will receive a message that reads: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.” Each test message will last approximately one minute and will be accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.
The EAS portion of the test will be directed at radios and TVs. This will be the seventh nationwide test of the system, which was first launched in 1997 to enable the president to address the American people during national emergencies.
Backup Date and Purpose of the Test
In case the October 4 test is postponed due to severe weather or other significant events, a backup testing date of October 11 has been designated. The purpose of this test is to ensure that the EAS and WEA systems continue to effectively warn the public about emergencies, particularly those on a national level.
FEMA and the FCC are committed to minimizing confusion and maximizing the public safety value of this test. By partnering with private companies and engaging various stakeholders, they aim to ensure that as few people as possible are caught off guard when the test alerts go out.
Stay tuned for this nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, as every phone, TV, and radio in the US will soon be subject to this important evaluation of our emergency communication systems.
Original Source: The Western Journal
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