***UPDATE***
As of today, FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has postponed the nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) until the previously scheduled back up date on October 3, due to ongoing response efforts to Hurricane.
September is National Preparedness Month
With that in mind, there will be a first ever Nationwide Wireless Emergency Alert on September20th at 11:18 AM.
No action is required by the public.
News Release from Oregon Office of Emergency Management
Salem, OR – September 12, 2018 – There will be a first-ever nationwide test of the Integrated public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) on Thursday, Sept. 20. IPAWS encompasses the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert System (WEA). The test, coordinated by FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will be broadcast via radio, TV, cable stations and wireless carriers. The WEA portion of the test will occur at 11:18 a.m. Pacific Time; the EAS portion will occur at 11:20 a.m. Pacific Time.
No action is required by the public.
The test is a way to assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message, and determine whether technological improvements are needed. A nationwide WEA message would only be used in the most extreme emergency situation.
This test is being conducted by FEMA in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). For more information visit: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-test.
