The City of Rochester is reminding residents about an upcoming nationwide test conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on October 4th. This test aims to assess the efficiency of the U.S. Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert Systems, critical tools in notifying the public about national emergencies.
Here’s what you need to know:
Date of the Test: October 4th
Details of the Test:
- Cell Phone Alert:
- Time: Starting at approximately 2:20 PM ET
- Duration: About 30 minutes
- Message: Even if your phone is silenced, it should play a tone and display the message: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
- Radio & Television Alert:
- Time: Concurrently with the cell phone alert
- Message: Radios and TVs will play a tone and display the message: “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 main objective of this test is to ensure that these systems remain effective in warning the public about potential emergencies, especially on a national scale.
There is no need to panic or raise alarms upon receiving this alert. It’s only a test and does not require any action on your part, other than to be informed.