What To Expect With Cell Phone ‘EMERGENCY ALERT TEST’

A nationwide test for the Wireless Emergency Alert system is today.

The Wireless Emergency Alert system is used to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations through compatible cell phones and other mobile devices will be tested at 2:18 p.m. on October 3, 2018. These text-like messages or 'Presidental Alerts' will notify you of imminent threats to safety in their area.

Here's what to expect according to FEMA:

1. You’ll get a message box on your phone with a tone & vibration. This is NOT a text and your phone number is NOT shared with anyone.
2. The test is for a Presidential Alert, a type of Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) only used for major emergencies that affect the entire country. This is the national version of WEA messages like AMBER & weather alerts from your local agencies.
3. You will also see/hear a test message on your TV & radio lasting about one minute. All messages will start with “THIS IS A TEST” and end with “No action is needed.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says it'll sound like an Amber Alert or flood warning. The subject will read: "Presidential Alert." The text will say: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."