The expected nationwide test of the Presidential Integrated Public Alert and Warning System that was to have taken place Thursday has been postponed until Oct. 3.
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The aftermath of Hurricane Florence and FEMA's response efforts in the affected regon prompted the delay.
The Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) on Oct. 3 - delivered to cell phones nationwide - will take place at 2:18 p.m. Following that will be a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System at 2:20 p.m.
The WEA test message will be sent to cell phones that are connected to wireless providers participating in WEA.
This is the fourth EAS nationwide test and the first national WEA test. Previous EAS national tests were conducted in November 2011, September 2016, and September 2017 in collaboration with the FCC, broadcasters, and emergency management officials in recognition of FEMA’s National Preparedness Month.
The EAS is a national public warning system that provides the president with the communications capability to address the nation during a national emergency.
The WEA system is used to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations through alerts on cell phones.
The national test will use the same special tone and vibration as with all WEA messages (i.e. tornado warning, AMBER Alert).
Users cannot opt out of receiving the WEA test. The test is made available to EAS participants (i.e., radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers) and is scheduled to last approximately one minute.
