FEMA Emergency Alert Test

Image: Person holding an iPhone with a national alert test emergency message pop-up. Text: IPAWS National Test 2023. The test will reach millions of mobile phones across the country via Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), radio and television via the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and other communication pathways. Test will take place at approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Backup testing date is October 11.

This message has been approved by Curt Sommerhoff, director of Emergency Management, for distribution to students, faculty and staff.

The 2023 IPAWS National Test will reach millions of mobile phones across the country via Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), radio and television via the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and other communications pathways.

The test will take place at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Backup testing date is October 11.

The national test will help ensure that Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) continue to be effective ways to warn the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.

All major U.S. wireless providers participate in Wireless Emergency Alerts and will transmit the national test to their subscribers. If your mobile phone is on and within range of an active cell tower from a participating wireless provider, you should receive the national test. Wireless providers will transmit the national test for 30 minutes, but your phone should only receive it once.

Learn more about the test and the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) here.

Article Date
September 25, 2023