National Emergency Alert system test set for Oct. 4

On Wednesday, Oct. 4 around 11 a.m., the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of both Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS). If you have a modern cell phone that is turned on, not in airplane mode and has a cell signal, you should receive WEA alert to your phone. The alert should look something like, “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Alert System. No action is needed.” The EAS alert goes to televisions and radios.

The intent of this test is to make sure that the alert system is operating as designed. WEA alerts can be sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies in coordination with wireless providers to convey lifesaving messages and imminent warnings. While it is possible to opt out of certain WEA alerts, it is strongly recommended that we all remain opted into these alerts.

Western coordinates with the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington State, and FEMA as appropriate for WEA alerts. Western also utilizes our own emergency notification system, Western Alert, to notify our community of emergencies and other critical safety information specific to the university. You can log into Web4U via MyWestern to make sure your personal information is up to date.

WWU Emergency Management & Business Continuity
Emergency.Management@wwu.edu