Just a reminder, on Wednesday, October 4th at approximately 2:20PM ET, They Will be Doing an Emergency Alert Testing, your phone may emit a loud noise and display a message stating: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is required.” This is simply a test notification and there is no need to take any action in response. During the nationwide alert system testing, a similar message will be transmitted through TV and radio signals to devices that are powered on. This is a mandatory practice for the government, as it is required to test these systems at least once every three years.
The test is a significant undertaking that necessitates the collaboration of various entities, including the government, wireless carriers, cable and satellite providers, as well as local broadcasters. During a designated 30-minute time frame, all the prominent wireless carriers in the country will send a test message to their subscribers’ phones that are near a cell tower and capable of receiving it. This ensures that everyone within range has the opportunity to receive the test message.
At the same time, if televisions and radios are switched on and tuned to over-the-air broadcasts or actively displaying cable and satellite feeds, they will receive a similar message as the one shown on cell phones. This ensures that important information is communicated across multiple devices simultaneously. According to FEMA’s page discussing the Emergency Alert System, it emphasizes the importance of working closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities in order to effectively implement and manage the system.
FEMA relies on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) to enable the exchange of emergency alerts in a digital format. CAP serves as the framework that makes all of this possible. This technology enables broadcasters, cable and satellite providers, as well as wireless cell service providers, to send comprehensive messages encompassing images, streaming video and audio, along with text. It can be utilized on a nationwide scale for broad communication purposes or targeted towards specific regions during localized disasters.According to FEMA, they claim that their potential is dependent on the capabilities of the delivery system being utilized. In other words, their effectiveness is determined by the infrastructure and resources in place for distribution.
To prevent incidents like the false missile alarm that caused panic in Hawaii in 2018, FEMA rigorously tests its Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) at least every three years. This regular testing ensures that the system is reliable and can effectively communicate emergency alerts to the public without any mishaps.
The capabilities of CAP (Common Alerting Protocol) extend beyond traditional use cases. It can also be applied to emergency telephone networks, sirens, and digital road signs. FEMA’s website mentions the possibility of sending alerts through various platforms such as computers, game consoles, search engines, social media, and more. This highlights the versatility and wide range of applications for CAP in disseminating important information effectively. Envision yourself enjoying a live Twitch stream when suddenly an alert pops up on the screen.
The most recent test occurred in 2021, but it was optional to participate in. However, this year’s test is mandatory for everyone, similar to the Presidential Alert test conducted in 2018. Regardless of your phone’s settings, you will receive the test notification.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website FAQ provides useful information about the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) test. According to FEMA, the test will not disrupt ongoing phone calls, ensuring uninterrupted communication. Additionally, if a cell phone is turned off before the test alert is sent and is not turned back on until after the WEA Test expires (which typically lasts around 30 minutes), users will not receive the alert on their device.
TOMORROW, OCT. 4: There will be a nationwide emergency alert test sent to all TVs, radios, and cell phones at 2:20 p.m. ET.
Important information and what can be expected from the nationwide test: https://t.co/2yv5y297wb
Frequently Asked Questions ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/gWjCynM8zb
— FEMA (@fema) October 3, 2023
