The nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) test is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.
Emergency management agencies and 911 call centers should be prepared for additional call volumes and questions from concerned or confused citizens.
Here is what to keep in mind during the nationwide WEA test:
- Starting at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for about 30 minutes. During this period, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are powered on, within range of an active cell tower, and linked to a participating wireless provider should be capable of receiving the test message.
- The message on consumers’ phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
- For phones set to Spanish, it will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”
- WEA alerts come with a unique tone and vibration to ensure accessibility for everyone, including individuals with disabilities.
