Vernon Officials: Wednesday Alerts A Test, Not 'War Of The Worlds'

VERNON, CT — Vernon officials said residents should be aware about a planned nationwide emergency alert test being conducted Wednesday by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission.

In other words, there is no need for a 1938-style panic driven by the famous Orson Welles broadcast.

But the test will take place officials said. The exercise is scheduled for Wednesday at approximately 2:20 p.m.

What to Expect

• Wireless Emergency Alerts: During the test, a message will be sent to all consumer cell phones. The message will be displayed in either English or Spanish, depending on the language settings of a phone.
• Emergency Alert System: In addition to cell phones, the test will also be sent to radios and televisions.

Officials said the purpose of the test is to ensure that "the systems continue to be an effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level."

In case the October 4th test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the backup testing date is Oct. 11.

No action is required by the public, officials said.