FEMA testing EBS today to evaluate the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) nationally at 1:20 PM.
In preparation, the Office of Emergency Management shares the following key facts.
- The test will broadcast using the Wireless Emergency Alert System (WEA) and Emergency Alert System (EAS).
- Virtually every phone across the country will receive an alert.
- The test will take place at approximately 1:20 p.m. CST on Oct. 4, with a backup date of Oct. 11. The WEA message will display: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
- Phones set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”
- The EAS message will announce on television and radio: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”
- There is NO way to opt-out of this test, so even those individuals with their alert settings set to “off” will receive this message if their phone is on and receiving service.
More information on the National Test is here.
The test is happening on the same day that most North Texas cities test their Outdoor Warning Systems (OWS).
Dallas OEM intends to conduct regular City of Dallas OWS test at noon as scheduled, weather permitting.
FEMA Testing EBS Today – Conspiracies Abound
There are numerous conspiracy theories running the local internet about the planned emergency management drill.
One says the 5G system will activate the “Marburg” virus – a relative of Ebola – that will turn people into zombies.
Other Side Dallas is aware of a recent case of monkeypox, but plans to be the first to report on Dallas zombies. (Other than city council members of course.)