Feds Test Nation's Emergency Alert System This Wednesday

At exactly 1:18 p.m. CST Wednesday, Oct. 3, you’re likely to receive a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) message marked “Presidential Alert.” Don’t freak out -- it’s only a test -- not unlike the annoying high pitched tone your TV and radio makes when the feds are testing the emergency alert system. The nationwide WEA test is the first ever to be rolled out by the federal government.

Most Americans' cell phones will receive a message at 1:18 p.m. that reads, “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” The test is intended to assess the system’s readiness and determine if technological improvements are needed. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) test follows at 1:20 p.m. The EAS test will last approximately one minute and will be carried by participating radio and TV broadcasters.

Previous EAS national tests were conducted in 2011, 2016 and 2017. Oct. 3rd’s test is the first time both systems are being tested together. The WEA system is used to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children and other critical situations through alerts on cell phone.

The October 3rd WEA test will be sent through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). Cell towers will broadcast the WEA test for approximately 30 minutes.

President Harry S Truman enacted the first nationwide alert system during the Cold War in 1951. The CONELRAD (Control of Electromagnetic Radiation) was eventually replaced by the national Emergency Broadcast System from 1963 through 1988.

Many Americans growing up in the 1960s and 1970s recall an ominous black-and-white test pattern followed by a high-pitched tone that served as a grim reminder of the Cold War.

The antiquated EBS system was retired in 1988 and replaced by the state-of-the-art Emergency Alert System.
Although used to broadcast tens of thousands of warnings and instructions for weather emergencies, the Emergency Alert System has never been activated nationwide for a civil defense threat, including Sept. 11, 2001.

Find more information and a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) in English and Spanish via ready.illinois.gov.

~ Image via FEMA