NATIONAL TEST OF CELL PHONE WARNING SYSTEM TOMORROW

We’re all familiar with the weekly Emergency Alert System on the radio that, in a real emergency situation, advises listeners to stay tuned for more information. Managing editor Tami Roleff says that tomorrow, the Federal Communications Commission will conduct a nationwide test of the alert system via our cell phones…

During Wednesday’s nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alert system, a presidential alert message will be sent out to every cell phone at 11:18 a.m. local time, followed by an emergency alert on the radio at 11:20 a.m. local time. This will be the first presidential-level test and residents cannot opt out. During this time, cell phones that are compatible with the wireless emergency alert system, and that are turned on and within range of a cell phone tower, should receive the test message. In case of a real emergency, public safety officials would use the system to warn the public about dangerous situations and critical emergencies. The cell phone test message will use the same special tone as all wireless alert messages, such as those for Amber alerts.