FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test

Originally published October 2nd, 2023 9:07 a.m.

Updated October 4th, 2023 5:44 a.m.

(KNSI) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission will issue a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System on Wednesday afternoon.

The purpose is to assess the effectiveness of FEMA’s Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts.

A press release from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety says on October 4th at 1:20 p.m. Central Daylight Time, cell phone towers will broadcast the test for about 30 minutes. WEA compatible devices, switched on and within range of an active tower with a WEA participating provider, should get the alert.

Radios and televisions will deliver the test alert through the EAS. That test is set to last for about one minute.

The alert should only be sent once with a message clearly stating it’s a test.

“We know that in emergencies, every second counts. This system puts warnings where people will see them so they have time to react accordingly,” said John Dooley, deputy statewide interoperability coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Emergency Communication Networks division. “This system saves lives – but only if it works. That’s why testing it ahead of emergencies is so critical.”

Advocates for victims and survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault are worried about the test as some of them may have a secret phone to call for help, and the alert could tip off their attackers. They say for someone in that situation or a similar circumstance to make sure the phone is powered down today for their safety.

If the test needs to be rescheduled, the backup date is October 11th.

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