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By Tom Sanders
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have announced plans to conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System next week, affecting millions of Americans.
FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) can broadcast emergency alerts to any wireless device in the country, including phones, radios and televisions. The system is designed to instantly alert the public during times of crisis.
On Tuesday, FEMA announced that the next nationwide test would take place on November 17 at 2:20 p.m. Eastern time. The alert will be broadcast on television and radio, FEMA said, and the "interruption is expected to last about one minute." Cellphones will not be affected.
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The test is conducted at least once every three years. This year, it comes as governments around the world, including the United States, have advised citizens to start stockpiling provisions in case of an emergency, such as war, extreme weather or a major cybersecurity threat.
Newsweek has contacted FEMA for further comment.
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How Does the IPAWS Work?
Implemented in 2006 during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, IPAWS allows the president—along with federal, state, local, territorial and tribal bodies—to send alerts to the public. There are three types of alerts: Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs), Emergency Alert System (EAS) alerts, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Weather Radio.
WEAs—which were the subject of the last nationwide check, in 2023—send emergency messages to mobile phones in affected areas. When an alert is issued through this method, cell towers transmit the signal to every device connected to that tower, ensuring blanket coverage. Messages sent via this method can be up to 360 characters in length and emit a special tone when broadcast, so users know it is an emergency alert.
These alerts come in three categories: Amber, Imminent Threat and Presidential. The first two categories can be opted out of, but presidential alerts cannot.
EAS alerts, like the one set to be broadcast next Tuesday, deliver emergency notifications via radio and television bulletins. They are designed to allow the president to address the American public within 10 minutes of a national emergency.
According to FEMA, "The test will include alert tones to support accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Broadcasters may provide audio in English, Spanish, or both."
The third type of alert, NOAA's Weather Radio, is an "all hazards" radio network designed to deliver emergency alerts relating to extreme weather and public safety hazards—including natural disasters, such as earthquakes and avalanches, and environmental hazards, such as chemical or oil spills.
Governments Advise Stockpiling
Next week's alert comes amid a series of warnings from world governments advising citizens to start stockpiling essential goods and provisions in the event of a major incident.
Different countries have advised different levels of preparedness. The British and French governments have advised households to have enough supplies, such as bottled water or nonperishable food, to withstand 72 hours of disruption.
Other countries—such as Canada, Mexico and Japan—also advise stocking up on emergency medical supplies for a 72-hour period, while nations such as Sweden, Norway and Germany have gone further and suggested stockpiling for up to 10 days.
In the U.S., ready.gov advises citizens to "store at least a several-day supply of nonperishable food," while FEMA has said that preparing for emergencies "is the responsibility of everyone." The agency also advises Americans to put together a basic emergency supplies kit that includes three days of food and water, a flashlight, first-aid kit and backup cellphone chargers and batteries.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Rebecca Flood and Shakeema Edwards.
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