TRENTON, NJ – Cell towers across the country will broadcast a test of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System for 30 minutes, starting at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on October 4.
During the test period, WEA-compatible mobile phones that are switched on and within range of an active cell tower should receive the test message, provided their wireless carrier participates in the WEA system. The message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” For phones with the main menu set to Spanish, the message will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”
Concurrently, a test broadcast will also be made over radio and television networks. The test aims to assess the readiness of the system to deliver emergency messages nationwide.