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Nationwide Emergency Alert Test to be Executed by Federal Government Through Mobile Phones and Cable TV

by Chloe Baker
8 comments
Nationwide Emergency Alert Test

“TEST ALERT”: On Wednesday, individuals in possession of a mobile phone or those tuned into television will see this message, as part of the federal government’s exercise to examine its Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.

The system disseminates emergency notifications through two main avenues: the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts. The Emergency Alert System serves as a nationwide public warning mechanism, engineered to enable the President to communicate with American citizens within a 10-minute timeframe through media channels such as radio and TV. Wireless Emergency Alerts, on the other hand, are concise messages, capped at 360 characters, sent to mobile phones to provide crucial information.

Although these alerts are typically employed in localized settings to warn of imminent threats like tornadoes, the forthcoming test is intended to be carried out on a national scale.

The exercise is scheduled to commence at precisely 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday. Wireless phone users in the United States will receive a one-time message that reads: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” The message will be accompanied by an audible alert and a vibration on the device.

For those with phone settings in the Spanish language, the message will be displayed in Spanish.

The test will take place within a 30-minute window, starting at 2:20 p.m. If users have their phones switched off at the beginning of the test and power them on within the subsequent 30 minutes, the alert message will be received upon activation. However, activating the phone post the 30-minute window will result in not receiving the alert.

For individuals watching broadcast or cable TV, or listening to the radio, a one-minute message will be aired stating: “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.”

In accordance with federal law, these alert systems must undergo testing at least once every three years. The most recent nationwide test was conducted on August 11, 2021.

Despite its straightforward intent, this test has generated unfounded claims on social media, purporting it to be an insidious plan to activate nanoparticles like graphene oxide in people’s bodies. Authorities and experts, including officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), have categorically debunked these speculations. Nevertheless, some individuals on social media have stated their intentions to deactivate their mobile phones on Wednesday.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nationwide Emergency Alert Test

What is the purpose of the nationwide emergency alert test?

The primary objective of the nationwide emergency alert test is to examine the efficacy of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System. This system includes the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts, designed to enable quick and effective communication to the American public during national emergencies.

When is the nationwide emergency alert test scheduled?

The test is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, starting at 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time and lasting for a 30-minute window.

Who will receive the emergency alerts?

Wireless phone customers in the United States with phones that are switched on will receive the alert message. Additionally, people watching broadcast or cable television or listening to the radio will also receive a one-minute message.

What will the message say?

For mobile phone users, the message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Those watching TV or listening to the radio will hear a message stating: “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.”

What languages will the alert be available in?

For mobile phone users with their settings in the Spanish language, the alert message will be displayed in Spanish.

What if my phone is off during the test?

If your phone is switched off at 2:20 p.m. but is turned on within the next 30 minutes, you will receive the alert message upon activation. If you turn on your phone after the 30-minute window has closed, you will not receive the alert.

How often are these systems tested?

Federal law mandates that these alert systems be tested at least once every three years. The last nationwide test occurred on August 11, 2021.

Are there any false claims or rumors associated with this test?

Yes, some social media users have made unfounded claims that the test is part of a scheme to activate nanoparticles such as graphene oxide in people’s bodies. These claims have been categorically debunked by experts and officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

What should I do if I receive the alert?

No action is required from the public upon receiving these test messages. They are intended solely for testing the effectiveness of the emergency alert system on a national scale.

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8 comments

Tina V October 4, 2023 - 5:01 pm

Oh I remember the last time this happened. Scared the bejesus outta me! I’m ready this time tho.

Reply
John D October 4, 2023 - 6:08 pm

So the test is gonna be on a Wednesday at 2:20? Guess they really thought that one thru, most ppl would be at work or school. Makes sense.

Reply
Alex R October 5, 2023 - 12:44 am

Wait, the last test was in 2021, feels like forever ago. Time really flies huh.

Reply
Rachel M October 5, 2023 - 1:34 am

So basically if my phone’s off, I won’t get the alert? got it. Will make sure its on, just to see how this works.

Reply
Mike J. October 5, 2023 - 4:14 am

Wow, didn’t know the feds have to test this stuff every three years. Guess its good they’re keeping tabs on the system, eh?

Reply
Emily W October 5, 2023 - 4:36 am

Is it only in English? Oh wait, I see there’s a Spanish version too. That’s good, keeping it inclusive.

Reply
Sarah K October 5, 2023 - 5:13 am

i’m turning off my phone, dont wanna get spooked in the middle of the day lol

Reply
Gary L October 5, 2023 - 12:04 pm

Whats up with those conspiracy theories around this thing? Graphene oxide, really?? Some ppl need to chill.

Reply

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