What is FEMA?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a United States government agency tasked with responding to disasters and emergencies across the country. They provide assistance to communities that have been impacted by natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. They also work to mitigate the effects of disasters by providing resources and training to local governments and emergency responders.
What is the Emergency Alert System?
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system that allows the President to address the nation during times of emergency. It is also used by state and local authorities to provide important information about weather events, Amber alerts, and other emergency situations. The EAS uses radio and television broadcast stations to send out alerts to the public.
What is the Wireless Emergency Alert System?
The Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system is a mobile alert system that allows government officials to send emergency messages directly to people's cell phones. These messages can include information about severe weather, AMBER alerts, and other emergencies. The WEA system was designed to complement the EAS and provide additional ways to reach people during emergencies.
Why is FEMA testing the emergency alert systems?
FEMA is testing the emergency alert systems to ensure that they are working properly and can be used to alert the public in the event of an emergency. The tests are conducted regularly to identify any issues and improve the systems. The upcoming test is part of FEMA's ongoing efforts to improve emergency preparedness across the country.
When is the test taking place?
The test is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at 2:20 PM Eastern Time. The test will last for approximately one minute and will be broadcast on television and radio stations across the country. The WEA test will be sent to cell phones that are connected to wireless providers participating in the test.
What should you expect during the test?
During the test, you will hear a loud tone on your television or radio. This tone will be followed by a message that says "This is a test of the Emergency Alert System." If you have a cell phone that is connected to a participating wireless provider, you will receive a message that says "This is a test of the Wireless Emergency Alert system. No action is needed."
What should you do after the test?
After the test, you should make sure that your emergency preparedness kit is up to date and that you have a plan in place for what to do during an emergency. This may include having food and water supplies on hand, knowing where to go in case of a tornado or other natural disaster, and having a way to communicate with family members in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
By testing the emergency alert systems regularly, FEMA is taking an important step towards improving emergency preparedness across the country. The upcoming test on August 11, 2021, will provide valuable information about the effectiveness of the systems and help identify any issues that need to be addressed. Make sure to stay informed and prepared for emergencies by following the advice of your local emergency management officials.
