The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Federal Communications Commission and wireless carriers, conducted tests of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), sending a loud alert to cellphones nationwide on Wednesday.

What You Need To Know

  • FEMA conducted tests of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on Wednesday

  • The WEA test was sent to all cellphones while the EAS was sent to radios and televisions

  • The message to cellphones in English read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed"

  • A Spanish version of the message was also sent

  • In a video message, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stressed the importance of the system in emergency situations

The WEA message was sent to all cellphones while the EAS message was sent to radios and televisions.

The message to cellphones read in English: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” A Spanish version of the message was also sent.

The WEA was broadcast by cell towers for approximately 30 minutes beginning at roughly 2:20 p.m. ET, and all compatible wireless phones are switched on and within range should have been able to receive the alert.

The message to radios and televisions said: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”

“The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level,” the agency said in a statement.

In a video message, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stressed the importance of the system in emergency situations.

“We recognize that in disasters, seconds count,” she said. “Getting alerts out promptly to our communities saves lives.”

“We want to make sure that when it counts, we can keep you informed,” she said, later urging Americans to pay attention for emergency alerts: “The next alert you receive could save your life or the life of the ones you love.”

The Wireless Emergency Alerts system, launched in 2012, is typically used in severe weather or for other public safety information campaigns, like Amber Alerts. It allows officials to send messages targeted to a specific geographic location. Users can receive four types of alerts:

  • National Alerts — Sent by the FEMA Administrator or the President of the United States;
  • Imminent Threat — Warning of imminent threats to life or safety;
  • Amber Alert — Notifications about missing children; or
  • Public Safety Messages — Alerts that give recommendations about saving lives or property