WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has scheduled a nationwide emergency alert test for Oct. 4 starting at 2:20 p.m.
The signal will reach all cell phones, TVs and radios – and there is not a way to opt out.
It will be similar to monthly Emergency Alert System tests for radio and TV, and similar to an AMBER alert for phones, according to the agency.
FEMA says this will help ensure the effectiveness of its Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) in case of a national emergency. If the alert is canceled, FEMA will opt for a backup test date of Oct. 11.
The test also gives consumers a chance to make sure devices are receiving the signal properly. FEMA offers guidance on what to do if your device does not receive the alert or continues to receive the same alert repeatedly.
More information can be found at FEMA.gov
