Expect a Text from the Government Today as Emergency Alert System is Tested

If you receive a text message today that reads "Presidential Alert", don't panic. It's just a test of a nationwide emergency alert system. Expect a message box on your phone accompanied by a vibration and loud ringtone. The test is coming our way shortly, beginning at 1:18 p.m. local time.

FEMA, the FCC, and WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts) and the EAS will all be a part of the test that is due to the ongoing response efforts to Hurricane Florence. The test will come in phases so if you notice your phone blowing up it's ok. Everyone else's phone is also. This test allows the government to know if improvements are needed for the distribution of important information.

Cell phone towers will be broadcasting the message for about 30 minutes today. If your wireless provider is part of the WEA network your phone should deliver the message. It is expected that phones will only receive the message once. The WEA test message should have a header that reads "Presidential Alert".