Cell phone users will be part of a nationwide test of emergency alert systems scheduled for this afternoon (Oct. 3).
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert. The WEA portion of the test begins at 1:18pm CDT. The EAS portion begins at 2:20pm CST.
All smartphone users will receive a wireless alert test message that will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Cell phones will display the test message under the header “Presidential Alert.”
South Dakota Office of Emergency Management director Tina Titze says the Wireless Emergency Alert system on cell phones is used to warn the public about dangerous weather or other critical situations. She says the test warning will be broadcasted for about 30 minutes, but cell phones will only receive the message once.
Titze says this is the system that is used when the public, especially in a specific area, needs to be notified immediately so citizens can prepare for an imminent situation. She says the tests are designed to test the system that would be used in actual emergencies, helping people stay safe.
The EAS test is made available to EAS participants such as radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers. It will last one minute and is similar to regular monthly EAS test messages heard on radio and television. Some cell phones, but likely not all, may receive this message as well.
More information on the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System and Wireless Emergency Alerts is available at www.ready.gov/alerts.
The Office of Emergency Management is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
(Dakota Radio Group)