FEMA to conduct Nationwide Alert Test on October 4.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Volusia County Emergency Management has issued an advisory informing residents of an upcoming national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is set to conduct this test on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at approximately 2:20 p.m.

The test aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Emergency Alert Systems (EAS) in disseminating emergency information to the public at a national level. This evaluation is crucial to ensure that these systems can efficiently warn and inform people about emergencies.

Millions of mobile phones across the United States will receive the test alert through Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), reaching subscribers of all major U.S. wireless providers. Radio and television stations will also broadcast the test via the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The transmission of the test message will last for 30 minutes; however, each phone should only receive the alert once.

Mobile phones must be powered on and within the range of an active cell tower from a participating provider to receive the alert. The primary purpose of this national test is to assess the overall functionality of WEA and EAS, reinforcing their role as reliable tools for alerting the public during emergencies.

For more information, contact the Volusia County Emergency Management Division at 386-254-1500.