Fonte dell’immagine：https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/all-cellphones-to-buzz-with-an-emergency-alert-wednesday-heres-when-it-will-happen/3242308/
Text messages to all cell phone owners in the Chicagoland area will be sent on Wednesday, 20th October, to test the new wireless emergency alert system, notify authorities at the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC).
The message, which is expected to reach around 38 million mobile phone users around 1:20 p.m., will alert them to the fact that this is just a test and not a real emergency.
This new alert system, known as WEA, serves as an additional tool to warn residents in cases of natural disasters, such as tornados, severe thunderstorms, or other emergencies. According to authorities, this system helps convey important notifications to the public to act promptly and stay safe during uncertain situations.
The CEO of OEMC, Richard Guidice, emphasized the significance of being informed during emergencies, stating that this new alert system will “provide residents and visitors with real-time notifications and the information they need to stay safe.”
The message will be broadcasted with a unique alarm sound and include the phrase “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
Past emergency alerts, such as Amber Alerts and severe weather warnings, targeted specific individuals. This new system, however, aims to reach a broader audience in a particular geographic area, ensuring that as many people as possible receive important information.
Considering the emergency events that can occur throughout the region, including man-made incidents, this system is designed to be efficient, quick, and reliable in notifying the population.
The wireless emergency alert system is a collaboration between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), wireless providers, and local authorities.
Authorities urge the public not to be alarmed when receiving messages on their cell phones next Wednesday. It is crucial to remember that it is just a test. Moreover, officials encourage all cell phone users to ensure their devices are set to receive these emergency alerts.
For those not residing in the Chicago area, it is important to note that this test message will only be sent to cell phones within the selected region. Thus, if you are out of town and do not receive the alert, it is because your phone is not registered with a wireless provider in the designated test area.
The goal of this test is to evaluate and improve the emergency alert system, ensuring that it functions effectively when it matters most—during real emergencies when timely warnings and instructions can save lives.
