Reminder: Nationwide emergency alert test Wednesday

(Update: Adding comments from OEM spokeswoman)

Any person who owns a wireless-enabled device like a cell phone is likely to get a test alert from FEMA on Wednesday.

The nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) will occur Wednesday at 11:20 AM.

Paula Negele, public information officer with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, said the test is simply to see how well the equipment works.

“One of the reasons they’re doing it is just to make sure that the infrastructure that is in place to make these alerts come across these different systems, to make sure there are no issues with the infrastructure,” Negele said.

This is the first time the wireless alert system is tested nationwide, and officials want to make sure the public prepared for the alert, so no one panics.

“I think that the most critical component to know it that it is a test. There is no action required. We are concerned that it could catch people off guard,” Negele said.

“You’re going to be in your car. You’re going to be in a business meeting or at school or in places where you’re not used to seeing this alert. So we don’t want to catch you off-guard. We want you to know that no action is required,” she added,.

The test was originally scheduled to take place on Sept. 20 but was postponed due to response and recovery efforts after Hurricane Florence.

In Oregon, the WEA portion of the test commences at 11:18 a.m. Pacific Time, and the EAS portion follows at 11:20 a.m. Pacific Time.

Officials said the test will assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message and determine whether improvements are needed.

FEMA and OEM remind the public:

No action is required. While the test begins at 11:18 a.m. Pacific Time, it may take several minutes for the alert to reach your phone. Most cellphones will sound the alert; do not be caught off-guard if you are in your car, at a personal or business appointment or other location. There is no threat; it is only a test. Do not call 9-1-1. The alert message will also be broadcast over radio and television. Additional information is available at https://www.gov/emergency-test-alert.

The nationwide test ensures that in times of an emergency or disaster, public safety officials have methods and systems that will deliver urgent alerts and warnings to the public. Alerts are rare, but can happen locally, statewide, or nationally.

According to FEMA, a nationwide WEA message would only be used in the most extreme emergency situation.