FEMA To Conduct Emergency Alert System Tests On Wednesday

CONCORD, NH — Federal officials will be conducting a test of the nation’s public alert and warning systems on Wednesday.

The test will occur at 2:20 p.m.

Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Communications Commission are conducting the test for the sixth time in about 14 months.

The test is similar to tests issued by local and regional authorities. During the test, radios, televisions, and cellphones may interrupt normal programming. Only cellphones that are programmed to accept the alert will receive them.

Officials said they regularly test the public alert system in order to ensure “operational readiness of the supporting infrastructure.” The test will also help officials “identify any needed technological and administrative improvements to the systems.”

The audio test will be one minute long and state the following:

“This is a test of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert you heard at the start of this message. No action is required.”

Cellphone tests will be by text message and will state the following:

“THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

More information about WEA and EAS can be found at Integrated Public Alert & Warning System | FEMA.gov.

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