There will be a nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alerts and the Emergency Alert System conducted Wednesday by FEMA and the FCC.
All major U.S. wireless providers will be participating, which means if your mobile phone is on and within range of an active cell tower, you should also receive the test of the the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System. You’ll receive a notification on your phone informing you this is just a test and no action is needed.
It will take place around 1:20 p.m. central time on Wednesday. The Emergency Alert System portion of the test will last approximately one minute and will be conducted by radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers.
The test is to be sure that all systems are functioning properly and is an effective means of warning the public about emergencies, especially those on a national level.
In the event of the test needing to be rescheduled, it will take place on October 11 instead.