By Chuck Westerheide, County of San Diego Communications Office
Oct. 2, 2023 | 12:44 PM
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts Wednesday, Oct. 4 at approximately 11:20 a.m.
The Emergency Alert System portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. The Wireless Emergency Alert portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. The test message will display on the phone in either English or Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless device.
The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure the systems continue to be effective means of warning communities about emergencies. The message that appears on phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
The test message will go to all cell phones set up to receive “Public Safety Alerts” on their devices. To see if you will receive alerts on your phone, check the Notifications folder on your device.
San Diegans are urged to make a personal disaster plan, so you are better prepared for emergencies or disasters. Your family should build a kit with items needed in case you need to evacuate your family and pets. You can stay informed by registering for Emergency Alerts through AlertSanDiego.org, the County’s emergency notification system. You should also download the SD Emergency App on your phone.
Chuck Westerheide is a group communications officer with the County of San Diego Communications Office.
