From the city of Ponca City:
FEMA, in coordination with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), will conduct a nationwide test of the EAS (Emergency Alert System) and WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts) today (October 4, 2023.) Beginning at approximately 1:20 p.m. CT, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes.
During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower should be capable of receiving the test message.
All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:
For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”
The purpose of the October 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the October 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is October 11.
