Oct 3, 2023, 15:51 PM by Jon Soles

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert System Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m.

FAYETTEVILLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert System Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. Test messages will be sent to all cell phones, radios and televisions nationwide.

All wireless phones should receive the message only once. Expect the following from the nationwide test:

• 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.”
• Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

The purpose of the test is for FEMA to ensure the systems continue to be an effective means of warning the public about emergencies, especially nationwide emergencies. It is important to note that Cumberland County is not sending this message. Once the message is received, no action is necessary from the public.

For more information about the nationwide test visit https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20231002/nationwide-test-emergency-alert-system-oct-4