FEMA and FCC to conduct nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System October 4

Updated September 21, 2023
FEMA EAS Test
On Wednesday, October 4 at approximately 11:20 a.m. PST, FEMA in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts.

The test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and directed to all consumer cell phones as well as through radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio, television providers, and wireline video providers. 

If your mobile phone is on and within range of an active cell tower from a participating wireless provider, you should receive the test message. The test is anticipated to last approximately one minute and is accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.

The message on your mobile should appear “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.

If your language settings are set to Spanish, it will display “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita accion.” 

For more information about the nationwide test, visit the FEMA website.