Nationwide emergency alert test this morning to go over cell phones, television and radio
An emergency alert test over cell phones, radio and television will happen nationwide today, Wednesday, Oct. 4 at around 11:20 a.m. Pacific time.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct the nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, which are emergency alerts sent through radio and TV and cell phones.
The national test will consist of two portions to check capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 11:20 a.m. The test demonstrates the capability of national, state, regional, and local governments to alert the public in the event of a major disaster.
The test will happen across time zones, including mountain at 12:20 p.m. Central time 1:20 p.m. and 2:20 on the East Coast. In most of Alaska it will be at 10:20 a.m., and in Hawaii, 8:20 a.m. local time.
The nationwide test is conducted by Federal Emergency Management Agency and Federal Communications and the Federal Communications Commission at the federal government level, and not at the city, county, or state levels of government.