Chief Todd Fitzgerald and the Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department inform residents that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will test the Emergency Alert System on Oct. 4.
At about 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, FEMA will test alerts for cell phones, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers. The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be an effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.
In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.
Cell phone users will receive an alert in English or Spanish, depending on language settings. All wireless phones should receive the message only once.
The test of radio, television, and online systems will last approximately one minute. It will include the familiar message: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”