In order to the check how well the systems are working, there will be a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) on September 20, 2018 (primary date) or October 3, 2018 (secondary date). The WEA test will begin at 11:18 a.m. and the EAS portion will follow at 11:20 a.m.

The EAS test will last approximately one minute and is made available to EAS participants including radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers.

The WEA system is used to warn the public about critical situations through alerts on cell phones such as dangerous weather and missing children. Customers whose wireless provider participates in WEA and who own a WEA compatible wireless phone receive geo-targeted alerts of imminent threats to safety in their area through unique tones and vibration. Cell towers will broadcast the WEA test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, cell phones that are switched on and within range of an active cell tower should be capable of receiving the test message once.

More information on the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System and Wireless Emergency Alerts is available at www.ready.gov/alerts.