Don't panic when this alarm goes off on your phone, TV and radio Wednesday. Here's why

Emily Barnes, New York State Team
·2 min read
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If alarms on your phone, TV and radio sound off this week, don't panic. It's just a test.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are conducting a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The test will take place at approximately 2:20 p.m., FEMA announced in a press release.

Why is the test being conducted?

About 225 million electronic devices across the United States will wail and buzz Wednesday.
About 225 million electronic devices across the United States will wail and buzz Wednesday.

The test helps ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System "continue to be effective ways to warn the public about emergencies," according to FEMA.

FEMA and the FCC are performing the test now because legislation in 2015 requires the tests at least once every three years. The most recent one took place in 2021.

What you can expect on Oct. 4

Wireless providers will transmit the national test for 30 minutes, but your phone should only receive it once, FEMA says.

Your mobile phone will display this message: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."

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While your TV and radio will present something similar: "This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public."

The test will include tones and vibration as well, but will not interrupt a phone call.

Newer phone models include settings to opt-out of tests and alerts but, FEMA said, these settings won't affect this particular test.

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Will everyone receive the test on their phones, other devices?

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.

For TV and radio, if the devices are turned on and tuned to a broadcast station, satellite radio or TV service or cable or wireless TV, you should receive it.

But if you don't have a WEA-compatible phone, your wireless provider doesn't participate in WEA, or if your phone is on airplane mode or out of range of an active cell tower, you won't get the message.

In the case of widespread severe weather or other significant events, the test will be postponed and instead take place Oct. 11.

Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at ebarnes@gannett.com or on Twitter @byemilybarnes.

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This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Most mobile phones will sound alarm on Oct. 4. Here's why