On October 4, 2023, FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) . The test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The test messages will be sent to all TVs, radios, and cell phones. The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.