On October 4, 2023, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) . The test will consist of two stages, testing both WEA and EAS capabilities. The test will begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET and will last for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, cell towers will broadcast the test, and WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message. The message that appears on phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed” . The EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN) . The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “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” . 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.