Emergency Alert test on October 4: Everything you need to know

At 2:20 p.m. ET / 1:20 CT / 11:20 PT on Oct. 4, cellular devices, televisions, and radio systems across the U.S. will sound off as part of a national emergency alert testdesigned to ensure that the country's mass communication services are in working order. The alert will sound similar to that of an Amber Alert.

When will it happen and how long will it last?

At 2:20 p.m. ET / 1:20 CT / 11:20 PT on Oct. 4, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During those 30 minutes, all Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and in a geographic area where the wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.

The alert tone is generally only played when the alert is initially received by the phone and will not repeat.

What will it say?

For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

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SEE ALSO: How hidden device users can protect themselves ahead of national emergency alert test

Which devices will receive the alert?

All consumer cell phones, radios, and TVs within range of an active cell tower, and in a geographic area where the wireless provider participates in Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).

Carrier participation in WEA is voluntary, but widespread across the U.S. Per the FCC, wireless service customers should check with their wireless service provider to find out if their cell phone is WEA-capable. Not all wireless service providers offer WEA, and some participating wireless service providers may offer WEA on some, but not all, of their mobile devices, and in some, but not all, of their service areas.

What do I need to do?

Nothing. Assuming you receive the alert, rest easy knowing that the country's national alert system is working as intended.

How do I avoid the test or disable the sound of it?

This alert is intended to catch your attention and also be heard by those nearby. 

If for any reason, including for your own personal safety, you need to disable the alert so that the sound does not tip off others to the existence of your device, we have created a guide for you at this link. This is especially important information for people in unsafe domestic situations who use a hidden device.

For the upcoming test, FEMA said in a post that "If a phone is off before the test alert is sent and not turned back on until after the [Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)] Test expires (approximately 30 minutes), the phone should not get the test message," which would mean it would not make the corresponding sound. Smart devices and pay-as-you-go phones should be turned off completely before the broadcast time, which may involve removing its battery.