October 4, 2023
Nationwide test of emergency alerts today
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, and Federal Communication Commission, or FCC, will conduct a nationwide test of emergency alerts. Wireless Emergency Alerts and Emergency Alert Systems will be tested at approximately 1:20 p.m. CDT Wednesday, Oct. 4. The purpose is to test systems in the event of a nationwide emergency.
Wireless Emergency Alerts will include all consumer cellphones, and Emergency Alert Systems will be sent to radios and televisions with a unique tone. All wireless phones should receive the message only once with the following message: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed." Phones that are set to Spanish will receive: "ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción."
For more information, read the FEMA press release or learn more about the national test.