Phones across the U.S. will sound an alarm on October 4 without you setting it yourself - so best to keep out of movie theaters.
If you're anything like me, hearing your phone alarm is a reminder of having to wake up in the morning, so it's probably my least favorite sound in the world.
But it turns out that our phones can be more than just a wake-up call and a device for endlessly scrolling social media.
On October 4th, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has big plans. They're conducting a statewide test to assess the effectiveness of the government's mass communication methods.
Phones won't be the only ones joining the alarm chorus. Televisions and radios will chime in as well, simulating what might occur in a real emergency. But remember, this is merely a drill.
As the alarm goes off, a text will appear on your phone to reassure you: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."
This test, conducted in partnership with the Federal Communications Commission, will comprise two segments. The first part will focus on Wireless Emergency Alerts, while the second will evaluate the Emergency Alert System.
At precisely 2:20PM Eastern Time, your phone will spring to life with a distinctive tone and vibration to ensure the message reaches everyone, including individuals with disabilities. The message will be displayed in either English or Spanish, depending on your cell phone's language settings.
FEMA emphasizes that Wireless Emergency Alerts-compatible phones, switched on and within the range of an active cell tower, should be capable of receiving the test message if their wireless provider participates in WEA.
For televisions and radios, the test will last approximately one minute, affecting radio and television broadcast stations, cable systems, satellite radio, and other television and video providers.
The broadcast message on TV and radio will read: "This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 (2:20PM) to 14:50 (2:50PM) hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public."
While the alarm is set to go off on October 4, FEMA has also arranged a backup testing date on October 11 in case severe weather or other events disrupt the initial plan.
So remember - there is absolutely no need to panic because it's just a test!
