October 2, 2023 - “This is only a test.”

That’s the message everyone nationwide will receive on Wednesday, October 4.

To help ensure the national alert and warning system is ready to provide timely, accurate information during the next disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test at approximately 11:20 a.m. PT on Wednesday, October 4.

This 1-minute test alert sent to TVs, radios and smartphones is similar to the weekly or monthly testing that happens on a local and regional level. The message that appears on phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

The message sent to smartphones will display in either English or Spanish, depending on the language settings.

No action is required by the public. This alert is simply a test of a robust readiness system should a nationwide alert be necessary in the future.

While this test is being conducted nationwide by FEMA, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) serves as the lead for alert and warning within California and works closely with local partners across the state year-round to ensure they are protecting the public by meeting national standards for performance.
Source: Cal OES