FEMA and the FCC are conducting a nationwide test on October 4 to send test messages to all iPhones, TVs, and radios at 2:20 p.m. Eastern time.
The test includes two parts, with the EAS sending test messages to TVs and radios. The second part of the test, involving Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), will reach all consumer cell phones and smartphones.
The WEA test will use FEMA’s IPAWS system to send emergency messages. The message will be displayed in English or Spanish based on the device’s language settings and will say, “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
The test will include a noise similar to National Weather Service alerts. Smartphones with cellular access turned on will receive the message, but those in Wi-Fi or airplane mode won’t get it.
According to reports, iPhone users can control whether they receive the emergency alert test by dialing 500525371# to enable test notifications or 500525370# to disable them.
In case of severe weather or significant events, the October 4 test has a backup date set for October 11.
This will be 11:20AM Pacific Time.
I’m curious enough about it to leave my phone on that day!!!