Your Electronic Devices May Alarm You on Wednesday Afternoon — And Here’s Why
Prepare to be captivated by an upcoming nationwide test of the federal emergency alert system happening on Wednesday afternoon! Around 2:20 p.m. EDT, cellphones, televisions, and radios across the United States will receive a broadcasted emergency alert message simultaneously. This test will include both the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for radios and TVs, and the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) for wireless phones. In other words, it’s going to be one powerful alert.
What Exactly is an Emergency Alert?
Coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Wednesday’s test will consist of emergency alert messages divided into two groups: EAS and WEA. This marks the seventh nationwide test of the EAS and the third nationwide test of wireless alerts.
Joseph Trainor, a disaster warning systems expert from the University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center, emphasizes that these alert systems have their strengths and weaknesses. That’s why it’s essential not to rely on just one warning system; we need a combination of them to maximize effectiveness.
How Will the Wireless Test Work?
FEMA will launch the wireless portion of the test using their Integrated Public Alert and Warning System. This system allows authenticated emergency messages to be sent to the public through multiple communication networks. Wireless providers will receive alerts from authorized government agencies and transmit them to compatible phones. These wireless alerts have proven to be highly effective at grabbing people’s attention.
What’s the Duration of the Emergency Alert Test?
The emergency alert test will be broadcasted for 30 minutes starting at approximately 2:20 p.m. EDT. During this time, compatible wireless phones within range of an active cell tower should receive a test message. The message will state: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Spanish language settings on cellphones will automatically translate the message, ensuring accessibility for all.
Can I Opt Out of the Wireless Test?
You can opt out of certain emergency alert messages from local authorities, but unfortunately, the national wireless alert system test is not something you can opt out of. Major wireless providers participate in FEMA’s wireless alert system, which means most people with their phones turned on and near an active cell tower will receive the test message.
Conspiracy theories surrounding this upcoming test have spread online, but they are baseless and misrepresent the underlying technology.
How Will the Test Work for TVs and Radios?
The Emergency Alert System test will occur simultaneously with the wireless test but will only last for one minute. Regardless of the channel or station, the test will interrupt regular TV and radio programming to broadcast a message stating: “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.”
Why is the Alert System Being Tested?
FEMA is required by law to test the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System every three years. These tests evaluate the system’s technological capabilities to reach and inform as many people as possible during widespread emergencies. The upcoming test seeks to push the limits of the system and ensure its availability for the entire nation.
In addition to testing the system’s capabilities, the test can help raise public awareness and educate people on what to do in a national emergency. It triggers a natural human decision process, where people question the alert and determine whether they need to take action. Exposure to emergency alert tests prepares individuals to act quickly during real emergencies.
So, get ready for this fascinating and important nationwide test of the emergency alert system. It’s not just about alarming your devices; it’s about keeping you safe and informed in times of crisis.
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