An emergency FEMA alert test will sound Oct. 4 on all U.S. TVs, radios and cellphones::On Wednesday, Oct. 4, FEMA and the FCC will launch a nationwide test of the emergency alert system.

  • malockin@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    28
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    I’ve already heard conspiracy theories about “the US government shutting down the internet” because someone misinterpreted this test.

    FSM help us 🤦‍♂️

  • Sibbo@sopuli.xyz
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    30
    arrow-down
    6
    ·
    1 year ago

    The whole world will be watching. Given that this is world news.

      • Abnorc@lemm.ee
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        6
        ·
        1 year ago

        I’m also confused: is this community for worldwide news only? I’m ok with seeing stuff that only pertains to certain countries here.

    • pup_atlas@pawb.social
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      The US is indeed part of the world. I would be fine with similar coverage if this were to happen somewhere else like Germany or Turkey.

  • AutoTL;DR@lemmings.worldB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    10
    ·
    1 year ago

    This is the best summary I could come up with:


    A nationwide test of the federal emergency alert system will be broadcast at approximately 2:20 p.m. EDT to cellphones, televisions and radios across the United States at around the same time.

    Wireless providers that participate in the integrated public system then dispatch alerts from cell towers to compatible phones in geo-targeted areas.

    To make the wireless test more accessible for people with disabilities, alerts are “accompanied by a unique tone and vibration,” according to FEMA.

    So, most people whose cellphones are turned on and located within range of an active cell tower during the test should receive a message, the agency said.

    FEMA’s upcoming test recently sparked a wave of conspiracy theories online, which are not based on reality and misrepresent how the technology works.

    Wednesday’s test will evaluate the technological capabilities of the national alert system to reach and inform as many people as possible in case of a widespread emergency.


    The original article contains 1,393 words, the summary contains 149 words. Saved 89%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!

  • kent_eh@lemmy.ca
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    5
    ·
    1 year ago

    I’m confused why this is getting so much press.

    Aren’t there normal periodic routine tests of these systems anyway?

    Why the extra effort to notify people this time?

      • jimbolauski@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        5
        ·
        1 year ago

        Airplane mode will work. The alerts are sent out via the mobile network. When airplane mode is turned off there is a good chance the alert will sound. There was a tornado that went through my area, the basement had no cell signal, as we were all coming out from the basement everyone’s phones started going off.

      • pup_atlas@pawb.social
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        3
        ·
        1 year ago

        My understanding is that this alert is mandatory, and will sound no matter what unless the phone is fully off. You can turn off things like Amber and Weather alerts, but my understanding is that this one (by design) cannot be disabled.