10/3/2018
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — No need to break out your earthquake or disaster kits when you get an emergency alert on your cell phone Wednesday morning, as its only a test from federal agencies.
FEMA, in coordination with the FCC, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert system between 11:18 and 11:48 AM.
The texts will convey that it’s a test and “no action is needed” and each person should only get the message once.
More than 100 wireless carriers participate in the program and you can’t opt out, so it’s likely you will get the message free of charge.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says FEMA will grant them access to this system in 2019 so they can provide alerts during local emergencies.