EAS Cell Phone Test Wednesday

Federal officials will conduct the first-ever nationwide test of the government’s emergency alert system for cell phones Wednesday.

At, or around, 2:18, all cell phones will receive a message that says “”THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

All cell phones that are turned on, and are within range of a tower will receive the message.  There is no way to opt out.

Two minutes later, a nationwide Emergency Alert System test will be broadcast by local radio and television stations.

The system is designed to inform citizens of a declared, national-level emergency.