FEMA Wireless Emergency Alert System Testing on October 3 
On Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 11:18 am, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct its first nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. If all goes according to plan, you will receive an Amber Alert-style warning on your cellular phone. The test will assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message and determine whether improvements are needed.
This is only a test. You will not be required take any action. The test message will have a header that reads "Presidential Alert" and text that says:
“THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
All cell 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. You do not need to sign up to receive the alerts. According to FEMA, some cell phones will not receive the test message.
For more information on the test, visit https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-test
The test is a great reminder to talk to your family about how you will communicate in an emergency. Check out emergency planning tools and resources, including a Family Communication Plan template, at https://www.losaltosca.gov/emergencyprep
Address/Location
Los Altos Police Department
1 N San Antonio Rd
Los Altos, CA 94022
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 650-947-2770
