Nationwide 'Presidential Alert' Texts: Not the Best Idea

The WEA portion of the test, which will be sent to consumer cell phones, will begin at 2:18 p.m. EDT. "No action is needed".

The alert is expected to appear and sound similar to AMBER and severe weather alerts, but unlike those Alerts there is no opting out. The presidential alert is like those, only it goes to virtually every cellphone in the country, and you can't turn it off. Your phone will vibrate and emit a loud abrasive tone that's likely to freak you out if you're not anticipating it.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will send the alert, explained that the text will be titled, "Presidential Alert".

The tests were originally set to take place September 20, but the situation with Hurricane Florence in the southeastern United States caused the tests to be delayed until Wednesday. The TV and radio alert has been tested for several years.

Is it a message from President Trump?

The header for the notification will read "Presidential Alert".

"The EAS is a national public warning system that provides the President with the communications capability to address the nation during a national emergency", according to FEMA's post announcing the test.

If you're wondering. the system doesn't allow 45 to wake up in the morning and decide on a whim to send a blast message to all Americans.

Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh Testify Before Senate Committee
They come from Ms Ford's husband and three family friends, who say Ms Ford mentioned the incident in 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2017. Speaking Wednesday during a press conference, Trump said the allegations against Kavanaugh "are all false to me".

Then who pushes the button?

FEMA officials said Tuesday they would share test result data on how the testing went with mobile carriers to help ensure the system works well in a true emergency.

The hashtag #PresidentialAlert became the top USA trending topic on Twitter, where most users complained about the alert system or used the opportunity to crack jokes.

When will we get another message blast in the future?

"Got it!" In Seattle, the test alert arrived in the middle of the GeekWire Summit.

Unlike the Amber and weather alerts, the presidential alert can't be turned off.

During a real emergency, tune in to KNIA/KRLS for more information.

A nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be conducted later today. If a phone is off, or on a call at the time of the alert, the message many not come through.