Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) National Test to Take Place October 3

October 2, 2018

Contact:

Susan Faloon
2017-624-4400

AUGUSTA, MAINE The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system on October 3, 2018. The test was originally scheduled for September 20, but due to hurricane activity along the East Coast, it will be conducted on the back-up date.

"We all play a role in supporting FEMA's mission to ready the nation for a catastrophic event," said MEMA Director Suzanne Krauss. "This test, which is only the fourth nationwide EAS test and the first ever Presidential- level WEA test, will allow us to assess whether technology improvements are needed to effectively distribute a nationwide emergency message."

The WEA test message will be sent at 2:18 p.m. on October 3, 2018 and the EAS test message will be sent at 2:20 p.m.

Anyone with a WEA-compatible cell phone that is switched on and within range of an active cell tower and whose wireless carrier participates in WEA should receive this message, including those with cellular-equipped smart watches. The alert will read:

"This IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."

"We want to get the word out to the public so they aren't alarmed when they get the message," said Krauss. "They do not need to take action, but because this is a Presidential Alert, cell phone users cannot opt out."

For additional information regarding the IPAWS National Test, please go to https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-test.

MEMA is a state Emergency Management Agency. Its Mission is to lessen the effects of disaster on the lives and property of the people of Maine through leadership, coordination and support in the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. MEMA works with FEMA as well the 16 county Emergency Management Agencies across the state of Maine and many other agencies to help them prepare for and manage disasters.