RICHARDSON – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 1:20 p.m. The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be an effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. 

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. The message that appears on cell phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset. 

The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions.  

The back-up testing date is Oct. 11 in case of severe weather or other significant events.  

More information: www.fema.gov/press-release/20230803/fema-and-fcc-plan-nationwide-emergency-alert-test-oct-4-2023