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FEMA To Test Presidential Alert System

President Donald Trump will soon have the ability to send you a text message directly to your phone. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will test the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system next week with every major wireless firm and more than 100 mobile carriers signed up to participate.  

In a statement released by FEMA Thursday, the agency announced the test would be conducted next week. 

"The EAS (Emergency Alert System) is a national public warning system that provides the president with the communications capability to address the nation during a national emergency," FEMA said.

"Compatible cell phones will receive a text message that reads "Presidential Alert" and "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."

The EAS is also used by radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, the agency added.

The alert will use the same tone and vibration setting as other WEA notifications like AMBER and weather alerts. 

If you're hoping to avoid the test, you can't - cellphone users cannot opt out of receiving alerts in accordance with the 2006 Warning, Alert and Response Network (WARN) Act. 

The first test of the presidential alert system is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 20 at 2:18 p.m. EDT.

Photo: Getty Images


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