The next national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA (wireless emergency alert) and EAS (emergency alert system) capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 4. The purpose of the October 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is October 11.   

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cellphones. This will be the third nationwide test and the second sent to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset. All wireless phones should receive the message only once.   

The EAS portion of the test will be sent to all radios and televisions by their respective broadcast networks. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.