The national test will consist of two portions, testing Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Emergency Alert System (EAS) capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 12:20 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The purpose of the Oct. 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. The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. 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. Beginning at approximately 12:20 p.m. (Mountain Time), cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes.
• During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.
• For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
• Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the backup testing date is Oct. 11. Source: