FEMA has scheduled a National Test of its Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) on October 4, 2023 at 2:20pm Eastern Time.Cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message. For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” According to FEMA.gov, The national test will help ensure that Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) continue to be effective ways to warn the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.
If the Oct. 4, 2023 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the backup testing date is Oct. 11.
