Heads Up: On October 4 You Will Get An Emergency Test Alert On Your Phone
This is a test. This is only a test. You’ve heard that a million times on your radio and your TV. And as that alert has always told you, “federal, state and local authorities have developed this system to keep you informed in the event of an emergency.” Well, here’s a heads up: On October 4 you will get an emergency test alert on your PHONE.
This is only the second time authorities will be issuing this text/test alert on cell phones across America. It’s a nationwide test ordered by the federal government. So, on October 4, 2023 FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) will team up with the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts to test our phones, according to MassLive.
What Will It Say And Sound Like?
FEMA reports that this is actually a 2 part test. It’s scheduled to alert our radios and TVs at 2:00pm EST. And the test should last about 60 seconds. What you will hear is the following: “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.”
For cell phone users, it will be a WEA Test (Wireless Emergency Alert), where we will receive a text message. It’s all just to make sure everything runs smoothly, in the case of an actual emergency. Being prepared leads to less confusion, which on a grand scale national level is certainly vital. FEMA also warned that if the October 4 test has to be postponed because of “widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.”
Your cell phone should only get one test text. And just so you know, in advance, the message will say: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” And by the way, your phone will sound an alert, even if it’s silenced. Everyone, including those with disabilities, will get a unique tone and vibration. This won’t be your usual text message sound, so you know it’s an emergency alert.
Massachusetts Has Launched A New 24/7 Free Crisis Helpline
