FCC, FEMA Issue Reminder on Wednesday EAS, WEA Test
Most mobile phones won't display the wireless emergency alert test message during Wednesday’s nationwide tests of WEA and the emergency alert system, said a joint FCC and Federal Emergency Management Agency news release Monday. The tests will be at 2:20…
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p.m. EDT (see 2107260043). The message will be received only by “specially configured phones” that have been opted in to receive test messages, FEMA said. “In contrast, consumers will automatically receive real emergency alerts on compatible phones (even if they do not receive the test message),” said the release. Instructions on how to opt in are on the FCC’s website. The WEA message will read “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” The broadcast EAS audio message will include the phrase “No action is required” and will be accompanied by a visual message on televisions. FEMA and the FCC are partnering with the National Weather Service and several state and local emergency management agencies on the test, the release said.