FEMA Nationwide Emergency Alert Test – Wednesday, October 4, 2023

On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at approximately 11:20 a.m., the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system and the Emergency Alert System. 

While this test will not include activation of the AlertSU system, the university will perform a separate test of our system on Thursday, October 12.  Additional details for that test will be shared in the coming week.

What to expect: 

Beginning at approximately 11:20 a.m., WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, will receive an audible alert and test message. The test message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

The EAS portion of the test will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers. The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “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.”

More information about the test can be found here.

Before the test:

While you cannot opt-out of National Alerts, it’s possible to opt-out of other regional or local alerts. Take this opportunity to ensure that you don’t miss important emergency alerts by setting your mobile device to receive them. Most devices have notification settings that allow you to opt in or out to Emergency Alerts, Public Safety Alerts, AMBER Alerts and others. Check with your device manufacturer or service provider if you need help finding the opt-in selections.

More information about Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) can be found here.