FEMA will run nationwide test of its emergency alert system on October 4

Readers have not heard should know that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will run a nationwide test of its emergency alert system. The test will be tomorrow, Wednesday October 4th at 2:20 p.m. It test is done annually in conjunction with wireless carriers.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said, “Using the alert system is vital during emergency situations to communicate to the public. We want to make sure that when it counts, we can keep you informed.”

Mobile phones that are turned on and within range of an active cell tower from a participating wireless provider will receive the alert. FEMA says wireless providers will transmit the national test for 30 minutes, but individual phones should only receive it once. But don’t worry, there is no need to panic — it is only a test.

The emergency alert system that is used to warn the public about national emergencies. FEMA, in conjunction with the Federal Communications Commission, will be sending a WEA alert (Wireless Emergency Alerts) to cellphones, while an EAS (Emergency Alert System) test will be sent to televisions and radios.

Both tests will take place at 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday.

See video for full details.

FEMA announcement video.