In a nationwide preparedness effort, the U.S. federal government has announced its intention to conduct a comprehensive test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts. Scheduled for this Wednesday at 2:20 pm ET, the test aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these systems in disseminating critical emergency information to the public, particularly on a national scale.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in collaboration with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), is spearheading this initiative.
Here's what you need to know about this test:

How does it affect you?

At approximately 2:20 pm ET this Wednesday, all mobile phones will receive an alert accompanied by a text message bearing the message: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed." The language of the text message will align with the settings on your device, appearing in either English or Spanish. To ensure accessibility, the alert will be complemented by a distinctive tone and vibration.

The test will be transmitted via cell towers over a duration of about 30 minutes, beginning precisely at 2:20 pm ET. During this period, compatible mobile phones that are powered on and within the vicinity of an active cell tower, and whose wireless service providers partake in WEA tests, should receive the test message.

In tandem with mobile alerts, radios and televisions will broadcast a test emergency alert concurrently. This broadcast will last for approximately one minute and will convey: "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."

Importantly, after receiving the emergency alert on your mobile device or hearing it on the radio or TV, no further action is necessary on your part.

Past Tests and Challenges

This forthcoming test marks the seventh nationwide trial of the Emergency Alert System, which sends alerts through radio and television broadcasters. It is the third nationwide test of Wireless Emergency Alerts, but notably, only the second to target consumer cellular devices.

In retrospect, there have been notable incidents of errors associated with mobile emergency alert systems, often attributed to state-level mistakes. Among them, the infamous 2018 incident in Hawaii where a mistaken ballistic missile alert sowed panic across the state due to a worker's accidental button press. Similarly, earlier this year in Florida, an early morning test emergency alert startled residents, leading to an official apology.

Notably, concerns regarding software vulnerabilities in the systems used for transmitting emergency alerts were raised last year. While there was no evidence of malicious exploitation, it prompted calls for software updates to address potential vulnerabilities.

In summary, Wednesday's test aims to ensure the readiness of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts, with the government taking steps to minimize errors and enhance the effectiveness of these vital public communication channels.