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 and Wireless Emergency Alerts. The test was intended to ensure that the alert system is ready to warn the public in the event of emergencies, particularly those that have a national impact. During the test, peoples mobile phones vibrated and emitted an audio tone, and a text message was displayed in either English or Spanish. The message read: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed". Radio and TV stations also broadcasted a test emergency alert at the same time as part of the broader test. The message 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".