Homeland Security officials say Alaskans will receive a nationwide test message via their cell phones, as well as through radio and television broadcasts, at 10:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 11, to test emergency alert systems.
The Federal Emergency Management Administration and Federal Communications Commission will be transmitting the alerts via emergency alert systems managed by broadcasters and states, and via the Wireless Emergency Alert system, which sends emergency messages through cell phone towers to wireless phones.
In the event that the tests are postponed, they will be held on Aug. 25.
“Each and every time we test these systems, we find issues and are able to make the alert system better,” said Bryan Fisher director of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Alaska, said Fisher, has one of the nation’s most challenging alert and warning system environments. “Our vast geographic distances, a mix of new and old communications equipment, limited overlapping communications systems, and the good old rugged nature of Alaska, makes communication difficult on a good day,” he said.
The EAS includes satellite radio and television providers, as well as wireline video providers. The test is scheduled to last about one minute.
To receive the message, phone users must opt in to receive emergency alerts, have hardware that can receive the message and is turned on within range of an active cell tower, and is configured to receive WEA test messages.
