The H.A.C.K.E.R. Project

In many cases, technology is able to help save lives and alert others of emergencies. Today, October 4^th, 2023, two emergency alert systems in the United States of America will be tested in order to ensure that they are effectively operating. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has stated that, “in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), [FEMA] will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)”. Two tests will occur: the EAS test that will be received on radios and televisions and the WEA test that will be received on cell phones. Both of these tests are “scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET” (FEMA).

FEMA states that the “purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.”

The Wireless Emergency Alerts Test

According to FEMA, the WEA test will be issued by all cellphone communication towers nationwide, and the test will be broadcasted for approximately 30 minutes. “During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message” (FEMA). This message will be broadcasted in either English or Spanish depending on the language settings of the device receiving the message; in English, the message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed”, while in Spanish, the message will read “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción” (FEMA). Finally, FEMA notes that “All wireless phones should receive the message only once”, and the message will play a unique tone and vibration in order to make the alert more accessible.

The Emergency Alert System Test

Meanwhile, on radio and television systems, the EAS test “is scheduled to last approximately one minute… ” and is being performed “… the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers” (FEMA). The test message will be as follows: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public” (FEMA).

Resources & Further REading

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test for Oct. 4, 2023.” FEMA.Gov, 3 Aug. 2023, www.fema.gov/press-release/20230803/fema-and-fcc-plan-nationwide-emergency-alert-test-oct-4-2023.