National Emergency Alert System Test Wednesday

Don’t be shocked if you receive an alert on your phone, radio or television next week. A nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts is scheduled for Wednesday. The test will be conducted beginning at 1:20 p.m. CT. In the event of widespread severe weather or other significant events, the test will be postponed to Oct. 11. When the WEA test begins, expect to see to receive a text message in either English or Spanish, depending on your phone’s language setting. The EAS test will be seen or heard on radios and televisions. While monthly tests of the EAS are required by the Federal Communications Commission, a nationwide test is slightly more uncommon. This year will mark the seventh nationwide test of the EAS and the third nationwide test of the WEA. It will be only the second time that the WEA test includes alerts on cellular devices.