4 October 2023
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission gives information on Wednesday’s nation test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System:
1. What is the purpose of the national test?
The national test will help ensure that Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) continue to be effective ways to warn the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.
If the Oct. 4, 2023, test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the backup testing date is Oct. 11.
2. Why are you testing this system now?
Legislation passed in 2015 requires FEMA to conduct nationwide tests of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System at least once every three years. The tests can include WEA, EAS and other alert and warning systems. The most recent national test was in 2021.
3. What will the national test display?
On a mobile device: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Phones set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita accin.”
The test will include tones and vibration to capture your attention.
On TV and radio: “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.”
4. Will the national test be used to gather my private data?
No. Both EAS and WEA are broadcast technologies and do not collect any of your data. This test is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the systems in sending an emergency message.
5. Can I opt-out of tests in my phone settings?
Recent models of mobile phones include a setting to opt-out of tests and alerts. None of those settings will affect the 2023 national test. If your mobile phone is on and receiving service from a participating wireless provider, you should receive the national test.
(c)2023 the McAlester News-Capital (McAlester, Okla.)
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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