On October 4, 2023, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) conducted a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) . The purpose of the test was to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those at a national level. The test consisted of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests began at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. During the test, cell towers broadcasted the test for approximately 30 minutes. WEA-compatible wireless phones that were switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participated in WEA, were capable of receiving the test message. The message that appeared on the phones read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed” . Radios and televisions also broadcasted a test emergency alert at the same time as part of the broader test. This message, which ran for approximately one minute, stated: “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” .