FEMA & FCC nationwide test set for Aug. 11

If you’d like to participate in an upcoming national Wireless Emergency Alert System test, the Washington Emergency Management Division created a website with detailed directions and videos that explain how to opt-in.

The test is scheduled for 11:20 a.m. PT, Aug. 11.

This test is being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission. The Washington Emergency Management Division will just be monitoring the situation and is not responsible for the test or its contents.

Test messages will be sent to televisions and radios, along with select cell phones that have opted-in to receive test messages. Even if residents get regular wireless emergency alerts, they will not get the test unless they specifically opt in. For iPhones, that means inputting a certain code, for instance.

Thousands of residents in King, Pierce and Thurston counties opted into a similar wireless emergency alert test done in just those counties back in February. If you used your cell phone to opt into the test at that point, no further action is likely needed. Our agency will be especially interested to see if more people respond to the test this time compared with the local one done in February by our agency and the U.S. Geological Survey.

FEMA Created a fact sheet with frequently asked questions on this website.

Find how to opt-in your phone here https://mil.wa.gov/wea-test