October 4, 2023 Emergency Alert Test

On October 4th between approximately 2:30 PM ET (11:20 Pacific) and 2:50 PM ET, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide system test of the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) which will include Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) sent to cell phones and Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts sent out over television and radio.

WEA-compatible cellular phones that are powered on and within range of an active cellular tower should receive an alert message. Many phones do not allow you to opt out of these alerts. The message will be: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers. The Message will be: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”