US Conducts National Emergency Alert Test: What You Need to Know

In a coordinated effort between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission, the US government executed a massive emergency alert drill. This nationwide test aimed to ensure the effectiveness of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) in warning the public about emergencies on a national scale. The test, which began at approximately 2:20 pm ET, reached every TV, radio, and cell phone in the nation.

The drill was conducted in two parts: The EAS portion delivered an emergency alert to radios and televisions, while the WEA portion sent alerts to all consumer cell phones. This simultaneous alert system activation resulted in millions of cell phones across the country emitting a screeching alert noise, along with radio and TV stations broadcasting a test alert.

Importantly, no action was required from the recipients of these alerts. The purpose was solely to test the functionality and reach of the emergency alert systems.

Here are some key points to address common questions and concerns regarding this emergency alert test:

1. **Opt-Out Settings:** While some mobile phones have settings to opt out of tests and alerts, these settings did not impact the 2023 national test. Mobile phones receiving service from participating wireless providers were expected to receive the national Wireless Emergency Alert test.

2. **Conditions for Non-Delivery:** There are three conditions under which the cell phone alert may not have been delivered: if the phone was turned off, in airplane mode, or not connected to a cell tower.

3. **Concerns for Domestic Violence Survivors:** Survivors of domestic violence and those in abusive relationships who wish to keep a secret or emergency phone hidden were advised by FEMA to turn their phone off ahead of the test and wait for at least 30 minutes before turning it back on. This extra precaution can protect their privacy.

4. **Educational Opportunity:** Educators had to navigate the disruption caused by the test occurring during school hours. FEMA recommended using this event as a teaching opportunity to educate students about federal emergency management and preparedness initiatives.

5. **Privacy and Data:** The national test could not be used to monitor, locate, or lock phones. It relied on broadcast technology and did not collect any user data.

The alert message was sent in both English and Spanish, and it was accompanied by a unique tone and vibration to ensure accessibility for everyone, including people with disabilities. The test was broadcast for approximately 30 minutes by cell towers, and recipients should have received the alert message only once.

In addition to cell phones, all radios and televisions broadcasted a test emergency alert. This message ran for about one minute and clarified that it was a nationwide test issued by FEMA, covering the United States.

Addressing some misconceptions, there have been false claims online regarding the test alert, including conspiracy theories about its impact on the body at a cellular level. FEMA explicitly stated that they are not aware of any adverse health effects caused by the audio signal.

It’s worth noting that this national test employed technology and infrastructure similar to what state and local authorities use for localized Amber Alerts or extreme weather warnings. The audio signal used in the national test has been in place since 1963, in the original Emergency Broadcast System.

If you are wondering why you did not receive an alert or have feedback on the test, you can reach out to FEMA via email at FEMA-National-Test@fema.dhs.gov.

In summary, the national emergency alert test aimed to ensure the effectiveness of the US emergency alert system, involving every TV, radio, and cell phone across the nation. The coordinated effort between FEMA and the FCC sought to educate the public and reaffirm the safety and reliability of these alert systems.