Heads up, folks, because today you're going to get a special alert on your phone.
FEMA has confirmed that it will conduct a nationwide test of the Wireless Emergerncy Alerts (WEA) system today, October 3rd, at 2:18 pm EDT/11:18 am PDT. This is the first national WEA test.
The message will be sent to all cell phones connected to wireless carriers that are participating in the WEA system. More than 100 carriers participate in the WEA program, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Because it's a Presidential Alert, you cannot opt out of receiving the message.
The message itself will include a header that says "Presidential Alert" along with the following message: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed." Your phone will also emit a loud tone and vibration when the message comes through, so be prepared for that.
The WEA system is meant for use in a national emergency. FEMA also notes that while you're receiving a text message as part of this warning, your cellphone number isn't shared with anyone.
