WEA Test FAQs
What should I know about the upcoming nationwide WEA test on October 4, 2023?
FEMA, in coordination with the FCC, will conduct a nationwide test of both Wireless Emergency Alerts and the Emergency Alert System at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. The WEA test alert will be sent to mobile phones nationwide. Additional details are available here.
Who will receive the nationwide WEA test message on October 4?
Most, but not all, people will receive the WEA test message on their mobile phones. In order to receive the test message:
- You must have a WEA-compatible mobile device. (Some older mobile phones do not receive WEA alerts.)
- Your device must be turned on.
- Your device must not be on “airplane mode.”
- Your device must be within the coverage area of a cell tower and able to receive a signal from that cell tower.
- Your device must be in a geographic area where the wireless provider participates in WEA.
In addition, some older phones may not display the alert if the user is on a call or in a data session.
Do I need to opt-in to receive the nationwide WEA test message?
No. In the nationwide WEA test, FEMA will send a test National Alert. Under the WARN Act, participating wireless carriers may offer their subscribers the capability to block all WEAs except National Alerts. Although it is possible to opt out from other types of WEAs, such as those warning of imminent threats and missing children, the FCC strongly urges the public to stay opted in to receive all these life-saving messages.