Today, Oct. 4, 2023, FEMA, in collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). This nationwide test will come in two portions, both of which are set to begin around 2:20 p.m. (ET).
Emergency Alerts Sent Nationwide
Additionally, the emergency alerts that will come to people’s cellphones will done by the WEA. The test messages will come in either English or Spanish, whichever the user chose in their language settings. Moreover, it is the third nationwide emergency alert test. However, it is the second one to test all WEA-compatible cellular devices.
Furthermore, the emergency alert test being sent to radios and TVs will be done by the EAS. It will the the EAS seventh nationwide test.
Coordinating with the FCC and FEMA are:
- EAS participants.
- Wireless providers.
- Emergency managers.
- And other stakeholders.
Conspiracy Theory
Since the announcement of the nationwide test, many conspiracy theories have emerged. Most of which, have been based off of movies. One theory is the noise will hypnotize people who hear it. Another, emphasizes on a movie where the alert happened and then mass destruction, chaos, and nuclear warfare occurred.
Some people have taken to social media to say they believed it was a way for the government to ensure they can track individuals. Of course, there are many individuals who agree with those theories and others. However, it is more likely they are just hyping themselves up over nothing. It is not the first time an alert has happened, and most likely will not be the last.
Officials have tried to the various theories. The alert will be sent out shortly. Just remember it is a test, not an actual emergency. If it were an emergency the noise would be followed by instructions and information.
Oddly enough, as the alert has already been sent out to some phones. Along with the sound came the message that it was just a test.
It came across my personal phone at 2:18 p.m. (ET).
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
FEMA: FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test for Oct. 4; Test Messages Will be Sent to All TVs, Radios and Cell Phones
NPR: A nationwide emergency alert test is coming to your phone on Wednesday
Featured Image Courtesy of artistmac‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Sheena Robertson
